Applications accepted all year round. Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide).
About the Project
Ocean monitoring has become increasingly important for understanding environmental change, supporting aquaculture and fisheries, protecting offshore infrastructure, and enhancing maritime security. Technologies such as surface drifters, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are widely used to collect data and undertake surveillance activities. However, these systems rely heavily on batteries, which have a limited operational life and can be costly or difficult to replace in remote marine environments. Alternative power sources such as solar panels are often unsuitable due to the harsh and corrosive conditions at sea.
The research will explore how the constant motion of ocean waves can be converted into electrical energy, enabling long-term autonomous operation of marine monitoring devices while reducing maintenance requirements and environmental impact. This PhD project will develop and optimise a novel wave-energy conversion system, which utilise magnetic particles embedded in a gel (MPG), to generate electrical power for charging batteries in a marine environment.
The project will focus on understanding the mechanical and electrical characteristics of MPGs, designing the energy harvesting system, and determining the optimum configuration for charging batteries used in marine monitoring equipment. The project will involve characterisation of MPGs, modelling, prototype manufacture and experimental testing to ensure efficient energy capture and battery charging under realistic sea conditions.
The candidate will gain expertise in renewable energy technologies, materials characterisation, numerical modelling, prototype development, and data analysis. Ultimately, this research will contribute to more effective, sustainable and resilient ocean monitoring systems that support environmental management, offshore infrastructure protection and maritime operations.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or international equivalent) in Fluid mechanics, polymers, materials, electrical engineering OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit (or international equivalent) in Fluid mechanics, polymers, materials, electrical engineering.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
FSE_SoE
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.