About the Project
Supervisor: Professor Dimitra Georgiadou
Artificial intelligence is transforming society but comes with a growing energy and carbon cost. This project will explore new nanostructured materials and device architectures that can deliver brain-inspired computing with radically improved energy efficiency.
You will design and fabricate nanoscale neural elements using emerging semiconductors, such as 2D materials, redox-active molecules, perovskites, ferroelectric polymers, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems, exploring their potential for in-memory sensing, learning, and computation. By integrating these materials into scalable device arrays, the project aims to create neuromorphic systems capable of energy-efficient information processing.
Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with researchers across electronics, photonics, device physics and materials science to advance the next generation of green intelligence technologies, bridging materials innovation and sustainable AI architectures.
You will join the multi-disciplinary Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab, work at the world-class labs of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), while you will have the opportunity to build connections with UK and European research partners by being affiliated also with the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing – NeuroSYNC and the Centre for Neuromorphic Technologies - CeNT. Additionally, you will be encouraged to attend major conferences, sharing your work and networking with leading experts.
The outcomes of your research can have various applications, such as Internet of Things and edge computing, AI, artificial vision, high density data storage for wearable devices, and many others.
This project is a chance to contribute to emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionise data processing and computing, while gaining skills, recognition, and experience that will position you as a leader in the field of nanoelectronics and brain-inspired memory technology.
The project provides hands-on training in materials deposition in films, device nano-fabrication, optoelectronic device engineering, and photonic system integration, with access to advanced cleanroom facilities and state-of-the-art optical characterisation tools. You will gain interdisciplinary skills spanning materials science, nanotechnology, photonics, and neuromorphic computing, positioning them for careers at the forefront of brain-inspired technologies and AI hardware.
Entry requirements
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following:
- physical sciences
- engineering
- electronics
- neuroscience
- bioengineering
- or a relevant subject
Students should have an interest in multidisciplinary research, and an aptitude for data analytics.
Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value the ability to work in teams, excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research project and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.
EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.
Fees and funding
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.
Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.
Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.
Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.
For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.
How to apply
You need to:
- choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- select Full time or Part time
- search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
- add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
Applications should include:
- research proposal
- your CV (resumé)
- 2 academic references
- degree transcripts and certificates to date
- English language qualification (if applicable)
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.
Project leader
For an initial conversation, d.georgiadou@soton.ac.uk
The School of Electronics and Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.