PhD Dual Award Scholarships available to start October 2026 – The Cohort is full for this year, we are nolonger accepting applications.
We invite suitably qualified and highly motivated applicants from STEM disciplines to apply for a series of multidisciplinary PhD scholarships hosted by the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University as a dual award.
Why Study a PhD at the Universities for Nottingham EPSRC CDT in Resilient Chemistry: Feedstck to Function?
In partnership with leading industrial stakeholders, we are launching a new collaborative approach to PhD projects. Our PhD projects will develop skills targeting the urgent need in transition to sustainable chemicals manufacturing. Our projects will define the next generation of multidisciplinary innovators driving the technologies and chemistries needed for Net-Zero economies.
Due to current UKRI-EPSRC funding limitations, we are only able to accept 30% of the cohort from international applicants, more information can be found here
Research Themes 26/27
We currently have 3 research themes funded for studentships for 2026-27.
1. ReaCT: Resilient Catalytic Strategies for Transformative Technologies. Theme Lead: Dr Mattia Silvi, University of Nottingham.
Theme closed for recruitment
The ReaCT theme seeks to transform the way organic molecules are synthesized through innovative photochemical, electrochemical, metal-free, and organophosphorus catalytic strategies. Together, these approaches form an integrated platform for developing next-generation tools and technologies that drive progress in sustainable organic synthesis. Students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge techniques that unite creativity in molecular design with the core principles of green chemistry. Through these projects, participants will contribute to shaping the future of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and functional materials—advancing cleaner, smarter, and more resilient chemical manufacturing.
Industrial Collaborator:
2. Next-generation sustainable synthesis of peptide and oligonucleotide. Theme Lead: Dr Nicholas Mitchell, University of Nottingham.
Theme closed for recruitment
Peptide and oligonucleotide therapeutics are becoming increasingly central to modern medicine, offering potent and highly selective interventions that address a broad range of diseases, with significant further potential. Due to the programmable nature of these ‘new modality’ therapeutics, solid-phase synthesis (SPS) is the technique of choice for the preparation of both classes of molecule. Efficient and reproducible chemistry has been developed that can be automated at low scale and scaled up for manufacture. The almost unlimited potential of synthetic chemistry enables the incorporation of non-canonical amino acids, nucleosides, linkages, and appended moieties, which are vital components in peptide and oligonucleotide drugs. Such molecular engineering is not readily achievable using biological machinery. However, due to a reliance on hazardous reagents, very low atom-economy, the production of large volumes of toxic solvent waste, and purification challenges, manufacturing of these modalities using contemporary technology is becoming less viable. As governments push for enhanced sustainability within manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements/restrictions will only tighten, leaving current methodology exposed. This CDT theme will focus on exploring the AI-driven evolution of SPS, photocatalytic methods for the late-stage functionalisation/macrocyclisation of peptides, and the development of next-generation chemoenzymatic sustainable peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis.
Industrial Collaborator:
3.Tandem circularity waste to products enabled through heterogeneous catalysis. Theme Lead: Dr Anabel Lanterna, University of Nottingham.
Theme closed for recruitment
The UK emits over 340 million tons of CO₂ annually, produces 48 million tons of CO₂-equivalent methane, and generates significant amounts of end-of-life microplastics. There is an urgent need to adopt greener and more resource-efficient technologies for energy and chemical production. Heterogeneous catalysts play a pivotal role in this transition; however, our understanding of how they work is still limited. The surface chemistry and nanoscale structure of heterogeneous catalysts are highly dynamic under reaction conditions and are not well understood. If we could observe the true state of the catalyst during the reaction, or get as close to it as possible, we could design new, more efficient catalysts and uncover the reaction mechanisms that govern their behaviour.
The W2P PhD cohort will delve deeply into the mechanisms of heterogeneous photo- and electrocatalysts, essential for converting plastic waste into valuable chemicals and materials, and for transforming industrial metal waste into high-performance catalysts for green hydrogen production. The unique combination of skill sets in catalyst preparation, testing, and advanced cryo-electron microscopy will enable us to capture catalysts in their native state, revealing the fundamental connection between their structure and performance. In direct collaboration with Quorum Technologies, a leader in developing innovative sample preparation instrumentation and sample handling methodologies for electron microscopy imaging and analysis, we will gain deep structural and chemical insights into catalysts across the length scales: macro, micro, nano, and atomic levels. By working together on this project, we have the opportunity to revolutionise the way catalysts are studied and discovered, making them more active, selective, and durable, which is essential for supporting the UK’s sustainable future.
Industrial Collaborator:
Application criteria
Ideally, candidates will hold one of the following:
- A minimum of an upper second-class honours’ degree from a 4-year undergraduate course (or equivalent), in a STEM based subject, which may include: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Material Science, Natural Sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Pharmacy, Synthetic Biology, Computational Biology/Chemistry or a related subject
- A 3-year undergraduate course in one of the above disciplines plus a master’s degree and/or some experience in industry
We particularly welcome enthusiastic and highly motivated applicants with a strong academic curiosity and aptitude for research. Applicants should be committed to working in cross-disciplinary teams and be passionate about working towards a more sustainable future. If English isn’t your first language, you will also need to meet the relevant English language requirements. An IELTS score of 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element) is required, although we also accept alternative qualifications.
Due to current UKRI-EPSRC funding limitations, we are only able to accept 30% of the cohort from international applicant in accordance with current UKRI guidance.
Our partnership is committed to providing an inclusive study environment for all students. We welcome applications from candidates from different backgrounds and protected characteristics, including those from BAME backgrounds. We are dedicated to a diverse and inclusive research culture that is characterised by fairness and equality of opportunity for all.
We offer the following:
- Flexibility in provision of student support including disability support plans
- Mechanisms to accommodate those with caring responsibilities including maternity and paternity leave.
- Successful candidates will benefit from a fully funded 4-year scholarship, which includes: fees, stipend (£20,780 – 25/26 UKRI rate)
- Funding support for research expenses, training, and travel – RTSG
- Peer and academic student mentoring
- Opportunities for placements and engagement with industry
- Full and part-time positions
How to apply – The Cohort is full for this year, we are nolonger accepting applications. Please check back in October 2026.
Before you start, please read the Application_Guide_2025
To apply, please complete the online application form
Interviews to take place – TBC