Supervisor: Dr Xu Fang
Tuesday, August 31, 2027
Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Xu Fang and Dr Eric Plum
This project will develop next-generation metasurface technologies for Physical AI, using nanostructured optical hardware to integrate sensing and information processing closer to the physical world. Building on recent EPSRC, Royal Society, and Leverhulme Trust funding, the project combines advanced nanofabrication, machine-learning-enabled optical design, and international collaboration.
Metasurfaces are planar nanostructures capable of manipulating the amplitude, phase, and polarisation of light, enabling unconventional functionalities in ultra-compact optical systems. In parallel, Physical AI is an emerging technological direction in which intelligent systems interact directly with the physical world through integrated sensing, computation, and actuation.
This project will bring these two areas together by developing metasurface-based optical sensors and processors. By extracting task-relevant information before digital processing, such systems could reduce latency and computational overhead. Potential applications include robotics, autonomous sensing, consumer electronics, and compact imaging systems.
You'll investigate machine-learning-assisted design approaches for metasurfaces, enabling the joint optimisation of optical functionality and downstream AI tasks such as feature extraction. Devices will be fabricated using the University of Southampton’s advanced nanofabrication facilities, with particular emphasis on scalable fabrication approaches that support future translation and commercialisation.
The project provides interdisciplinary training in:
- inverse design
- nanofabrication
- optical characterisation
- machine learning for physical and optical systems
The project will involve collaboration with leading international partners, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nanyang Technological University, and several industrial partners. Opportunities may also arise for extended international research visits during the later stages of your PhD.
Entry requirements
You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
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
Apply now
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, X.Fang@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.
Frequently asked questions
When can I start my studies?
Our standard start dates are September, January, April, and June, with most postgraduate researchers starting in September. If you hold a student visa and are currently studying for an MSc in the UK, the September start date may not be available to you.
What other PhD funding opportunities are available?
Our ‘competition-funded’ projects are eligible to apply to other funding schemes. Some of these may cover the difference between overseas and UK tuition fees, and others will support your tuition fees and/or provide an annual stipend. Horizon Europe fee waivers are automatically applied for all eligible postgraduate researchers starting their programme in the 2026/27 academic year. The waiver covers the difference between overseas and UK tuition fees, and you can combine this waiver with other funding sources. Visit our website for a list of eligible countries. You may qualify for one of our postgraduate scholarships or fee waivers that cover tuition fees and more. Search for your topic area and check the ‘Funding and fees’ page for more information about our schools’ funding arrangements. Many of those projects are funded through the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award.
How do I find a PhD supervisor?
Each project listing has an assigned supervisor; you’ll find their contact details in the listing. You are not limited to the listed projects – if you have a research idea of your own, you can search for a possible supervisor or make an enquiry.
What is a fully funded research project?
Projects advertised as ‘fully funded’ will cover your tuition fees and provide a tax-free annual stipend to support your living costs. UK Research and Innovation has set the minimum stipend at £20,780 (for full-time students).
These opportunities are highly competitive and often come with specific eligibility requirements, so it’s important to check the funding information for the project before applying.
What are the entry requirements for postgraduate researchers?
Our programmes typically require a minimum of an upper second-class (2:1) honours undergraduate degree (or equivalent), or a master’s-level qualification, in a relevant subject. Evidence of prior professional practice or learning may also be taken into account. Our funded programmes are highly competitive and normally require at least a first-class honours degree (or equivalent).
Main campus
University of Southampton
Southampton
South East
United Kingdom
