Cardiff University Fully Funded PhD in Electrochemistry 2026

Applications are currently open for this fully funded PhD project which focuses on "ELECTROCHEMISTRY AT NEURAL INTERFACES: optimisation of peptide–nanocellulose neural-electrode interfaces for energy-efficient neuromodulation - Competitive EPSRC funded post"

This PhD aims to develop next-generation neural electrodes that are efficient, sustainable, tunable, and biologically compatible; demonstrating an optimised bioelectrode interface that reduces energy demand for neuromodulation. You will design and fabricate peptide-functionalised nanocellulose hydrogels and thin films; engineer and optimise their redox/ionic conduction properties; and electrodeposit them onto model electrodes. You will systematically probe how optimised composition and structure control:

• charge injection and storage capacity
• interfacial impedance and stability under clinically relevant pulse trains
• redox- and spin- active intermediates and defects at the electrode–electrolyte interface.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 9, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorCardiff University
• City to studyCardiff
• School to studyCardiff University
• Course to studyChemistry
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• This is an EPSRC 3.5 year PhD that covers tuition fees, an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £20,780) and includes access to a Research Training Support Grant (£4000).
• Up to 30% of our overall cohort can comprise international students, and international applicants are welcome to apply, but the international funding allocation is very competitive and is not guaranteed for these projects.
• The International tuition fee is discounted to the home fee rate. International students are not required to pay the difference.
• Where applicable, successful applicants will be required to cover the cost of a student visa, healthcare surcharge, and any other costs of moving to the UK. These costs will not be covered by the DLA.

Requirements

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Master’s level qualification (or their equivalent) We also welcome applications for full and part-time study and from candidates with non-traditional academic backgrounds. Note that international students on a Student Route Visa can study on a full-time basis only.

English Language

If English is not your first language that you must fulfil our English Language criteria before the start of your studies. Details of accepted English Language qualifications for admissions can be found here.

Supervisors

Dr Andrea Folli

Dr Daniela Duc

Dr Fabio Parmeggiani

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Please complete an online Cardiff University PhD application form: Chemistry - Study - Cardiff University

In addition to the standard application form, candidates should also:

• Attach a CV. Guidance on CVs for a PhD position can be found on the FindAPhD website.
• Ensure your personal statement (as part of the university application form, or as a separate attachment, if you prefer) provides a clear explanation of your research interest, preparation undertaken, and an understanding of the project.

Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words, and address the following questions:

1. What are your scientific research interests and ambition?
2. How has your academic and/or professional journey prepared you for PhD study? (for instance, give examples of work you particularly enjoyed, of challenges you overcame, of connecting with others about your work or ideas, of showing inventiveness, of developing new skills and knowledge)
3. Why do you think this project is important?”

For more details, visit Cardiff University Scholarship webpage