Location: Cardiff, United KingdomApplication Deadline: 9 January 2026Funding: EPSRC DLA Studentships (Home and International Students Fully Funded) Cardiff University, a member of the prestigious Russell Group, invites outstanding candidates worldwide to apply for two EPSRC DLA-funded PhD projects within the School of Engineering. Both programmes provide an exceptional opportunity to join one of the UK’s top research institutions, renowned for advancing sustainable engineering, digital innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Each project offers full tuition coverage, a competitive stipend (£20,780 for 2025/26), and access to world-class research facilities within Cardiff’s Geoenvironmental Research Centre (GRC) — a global leader in sustainable and environmental engineering research. PhD 1: Transforming Civil Infrastructure through Sustainable Material Reuse Supervisors: Prof. P. Cleall, Dr. Evan Ricketts, Dr. S. TripathyReference: DLA PC 2026 About the Project: The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and dependence on virgin materials. This PhD project explores cutting-edge digital and machine learning approaches to promote the reuse and reprocessing of on-site materials for geotechnical applications, supporting a more circular and sustainable construction economy. The research will combine finite element modelling, multi-scale stochastic simulations, and machine learning to develop predictive frameworks that assess how reused materials perform under different geotechnical conditions. Experimental testing will validate these computational models, providing practical solutions for industry applications. Collaborating with the construction company John F Hunt, the project integrates real-world data from active construction sites, ensuring the outcomes are industrially relevant and applicable. Research Focus Areas: Sustainable geotechnical engineering and digital design. Finite element modelling and uncertainty quantification. Machine learning for predictive material performance. Experimental and computational simulation of porous materials. Research Environment: Students will be based at the Geoenvironmental Research Centre, benefiting from: High-performance computing facilities. Advanced laboratories for experimental testing. Direct collaboration with industry partners. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants should hold or expect to achieve a First Class or Upper Second-Class (2.1) degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Mathematics, or a related discipline. Desirable Skills: Experience in geotechnical experimental testing. Strong numerical and analytical skills, particularly in finite element analysis. Programming proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++. Basic understanding of machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow. Excellent problem-solving ability and attention to detail. English Language Requirement:Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency with IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. PhD 2: Environmental Biosensing Using Plant-Microbial Fuel Cells Supervisors: Dr. M. Harbottle, Dr. Evan Ricketts, Dr. Arif MohammadReference: DLA MH 2026 About the Project: This interdisciplinary PhD investigates how living plants can serve as environmental biosensors using plant-microbial fuel cell (PMFC) systems. The research aims to revolutionize how environmental change is monitored by harnessing biological processes and machine learning to create intelligent, low-cost sensing systems. The project explores how plants and root-associated microorganisms generate electrical signals through PMFCs and how these signals can be analyzed to detect environmental conditions such as water quality, pH, salinity, and pollution. The research combines laboratory experimentation with computational analysis, applying AI-based methods to interpret complex data patterns. The expected outcome is the development of a self-sustaining biosensor framework capable of long-term environmental monitoring — a crucial innovation for sustainable infrastructure and environmental resilience. Research Focus Areas: Environmental sensing and monitoring technologies. Bioelectrochemical systems and microbial fuel cells. Application of machine learning for signal processing. Sustainable engineering and soil-plant interaction studies. Research Environment: Based within the Geoenvironmental Research Centre, the successful candidate will have access to: Comprehensive laboratory facilities for environmental systems analysis. High-performance computing resources for data analysis and modelling. A supportive, interdisciplinary research community spanning engineering, soil science, biology, and computational modelling. Eligibility Criteria: Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a First Class or Upper Second-Class (2.1) degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or a related field. Desirable Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Laboratory experience in environmental or biological testing. Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or C++ for computational analysis. Familiarity with machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch). Passion for interdisciplinary, sustainability-driven research. English Language Requirement:Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). Funding and Support Both projects are supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and include: Full tuition fees at the UK Home rate (£5,006 for 2025/26). Annual stipend equivalent to the UK Research Council rate (£20,780 for 2025/26). Available on a full-time or part-time basis for both Home and International students. Application Process Applicants must submit an online application for postgraduate study via the Cardiff University Postgraduate Portal. Include the following: Curriculum Vitae (CV). Personal statement or cover letter. Two academic references (a third is encouraged if both referees are from the same institution). Current academic transcripts. When completing the online form: Select Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) as the programme title. Specify your chosen project and supervisors. In the “Funding” section, select “I will be applying for a scholarship/grant” and reference the appropriate funding code (DLA PC 2026 or DLA MH 2026). Deadline for Applications: 9 January 2026Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews following the deadline. Why Cardiff University? At Cardiff University, collaboration drives innovation. As one of the UK’s top research institutions, Cardiff brings together brilliant minds to solve global challenges. PhD students are part of a vibrant community within the Doctoral Academy, gaining access to extensive professional development, international networks, and real-world research impact. By joining Cardiff, candidates will contribute to pioneering solutions in sustainability, environmental monitoring, and digital engineering — shaping a greener and more resilient future. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding and seeking institute. For any inquiries, please contact the official institute directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.