Prospective supervisor: Dr John Healy
School: Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin
Degree: Four-year, full-time PhD, commencing September 2027
Funding: Competitive UCD-CSC Scholarship Scheme
Eligibility: Citizens of the People's Republic of China
About the research
How much information about an object can we recover from measurements of light? What information is lost through diffraction, finite apertures, limited sampling and imperfect detectors? And how can mathematical analysis and computation help us understand and overcome these limitations?
I am seeking motivated PhD candidates interested in investigating fundamental questions in optical physics and computational imaging. My research brings together mathematical modelling, numerical computation and optical measurement. I am particularly interested in approaches that provide a deeper understanding of physical systems, rather than simply achieving better numerical results.
Examples of the kinds of projects on offer include
1. Mathematical optics and numerical methods
Diffraction and optical propagation have rich mathematical structures, connecting wave optics with Fourier analysis, integral transforms and numerical computation. There are still important open questions about how best to represent and calculate these processes on computers.
I am interested in the development of numerical methods for optical propagation, discrete optical transforms, sampling problems, and connections between the mathematical properties of optical systems and their numerical representations. Research could involve both theoretical investigation and the development and testing of algorithms.
2. New approaches to shaping imaging with light
The physics of light limit optical measurements and images, but it can also be exploited to produce unusual optical fields and new ways of making measurements.
I am interested in the design and manipulation of optical fields, diffractive optical elements, holography and computational imaging. Possible investigations include structured optical fields, unconventional imaging arrangements, and the use of optical design and computation together to achieve capabilities that conventional optical systems cannot readily provide.
Research approach
I am particularly interested in students who enjoy asking fundamental questions, developing mathematical models, testing ideas computationally and critically examining the results. Projects may combine analytical theory, numerical simulation and carefully designed experiments. Machine learning may be useful in some investigations, but it is not a prerequisite or the central focus of the research programme. The precise PhD project will be developed in discussion with the successful candidate, taking account of their background and interests.
Candidate profile
Applications are welcome from strong candidates with backgrounds in electrical or electronic engineering, physics, applied mathematics, computational science or related disciplines.
Especially valuable are:
- Strong mathematical and analytical foundations.
- Experience with programming and numerical methods, particularly MATLAB or Python.
- An interest in optics, wave phenomena, imaging or mathematical modelling.
- Intellectual curiosity, independence and a willingness to question assumptions.
Previous specialised experience in computational optics is welcome but not essential.
Scholarship and eligibility
The UCD-CSC Scholarship Scheme supports eligible citizens of the People's Republic of China undertaking doctoral research at UCD.
Subject to successful admission and scholarship selection:
- UCD covers tuition fees.
- CSC provides a living allowance of €16,200 annually and return airfare.
- The PhD programme runs for four years.
Important: The CSC living allowance is below the estimated cost of living in Dublin. Applicants should consider the need for supplementary financial resources. The scholarship does not provide a separate research-expenses budget.
Candidates must meet UCD and CSC eligibility requirements, including English language proficiency (normally IELTS 6.5, with no band below 6.0, or TOEFL 90).
How to express interest
Before submitting a formal scholarship application, please contact Dr John Healy at [contact details available in the full listing] with:
- A CV and academic transcripts.
- A brief statement (approximately 200 words) explaining which research questions interest you and why.
- A description of any relevant research projects, publications or numerical/programming experience.
An initial expression of interest by 15 December 2026 is encouraged to allow time for discussion and preparation.
The official UCD-CSC application period is 1 November 2026 to 31 January 2027. Applicants must secure agreement from a UCD supervisor before applying. A supervisor's agreement does not guarantee admission or scholarship funding.
Full details and application instructions:
https://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/studywithus/feesfundingandscholarships/chinascholarshipscheme/
