University of Exeter PhD in Human-centric generative design 2025-2026

This PhD project aims to pioneer a transformative approach to sustainable design by integrating human-centric principles with nature-inspired AI-driven generative design methodologies to achieve absolute sustainability that respects planetary boundaries while fulfilling human needs. By bridging human-centric innovation, generative algorithms, and sustainability metrics, this project seeks to redefine how novel products and systems are conceived, developed, and evaluated.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineSeptember 1, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Exeter
• City to studyExeter
• School to studyUniversity of Exeter
• Course to studyEngineering , Engineering & Design , Engineering and Design
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The studentship will cover Home tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 for 3.5 years full-time. 

Requirements

• This fully funded PhD scholarship is suitable for students with a background in Engineering Design, Smart Manufacturing, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Life Cycle Engineering, and Engineering Management.
• Students with interests in computational mechanics, optimization design, bioinspired design, sustainability management, machine learning, AI, uncertainty quantification, and probabilistic methods are encouraged to apply.
• The candidate is expected to have a good 2:1 Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Management.
• The following skills and background are also highly desirable:
  • Ability to program in MATLAB, Python or similar.
  • Strong bioinspired design background.

Selection Process

The closing date for applications is midnight on 7th September 2025. Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 15th September 2025.

Application Documents

• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience, and reasons for wishing to apply for this studentship).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work.

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button . In the application process, you will be asked to upload several documents

• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience, and reasons for wishing to apply for this studentship).
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference directly to [email protected] quoting the studentship reference number.
• Please quote reference  on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

For more details, visit University of Exeter Scholarship webpage