Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
Search PhD projects
271 research degree projects
-
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Qubit efficient quantum optimization and applications to industrial problems
The main challenge in the adoption of quantum computing is the gap between algorithmic requirements and current quantum hardware. In this project, you will codevelop novel qubit efficient quantum approaches and techniques that can be used to solve optimization problems and apply them to logistics, pharma, transport, or manufacturing industries. -
Engineering | Physics and astronomy | Geography and environmental science
Quantum levitated mechanics for GPS-denied autonomous underwater vehicle navigation
This project will advance levitated optomechanical technology, specifically a levitated gradiometer, through early-stage development for autonomous underwater vehicles. You will contribute to the design, modelling, and experimental realisation of a prototype levitated gradiometer comprising two (or four) levitated optomechanical sensors stabilised by an optical interferometer for common-mode noise rejection. -
Physics and astronomy
2D materials as quantum sensors
Quantum materials such as superconducting magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene exhibit exceptional sensitivity to external stimuli, offering a unique platform for quantum sensing. This project develops 2D material-based membrane sensors for single-photon detection and noise spectroscopy, integrating nanoelectromechanical and quantum photonic functionalities into a unified, energy-efficient platform for next-generation quantum technologies. -
Engineering
Quantum-enabled memristors for neural interface engineering
Shape the future of neuro-controlled medical devices using quantum memristors as artificial synapses. Gain hands-on experience in micro/nano-fabrication, quantum state characterisation, neuromorphic circuits, and biohybrid interfaces, developing the critical neuromorphic interfaces that transform healthcare technologies to think, learn, and move like natural human body. -
Engineering
Sparse variational quantum machine learning
Variational quantum algorithms (VQAs) are hybrid classical-quantum machine learning methods designed to optimally utilize current quantum hardware, which remains limited by noise, limiting the number of computational operations. This project will adapt methods from sparse optimization to adapt the order and choice of the fundamental computations in VQAs. -
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Design and synthesis of photoresponsive organic spin-state switches
Controlling molecular spin states remotely, for example with light, is key to enabling next generation quantum sensing and computing technologies. This project will focus on the synthesis and characterisation of novel all organic photoswitches that will enable control over radical persistence and/or dynamic spin state interactions. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Quantum computing for computational fluid dynamics and applications
This project explores the emerging field of Quantum Computational Fluid Dynamics (QCFD), combining quantum computing and CFD to simulate nonlinear systems such as turbulence and shockwaves. You will be working and implementing quantum variational algorithms in quantum computers that bridge fundamental physics with quantum algorithmic innovation for next-generation fluid simulation. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Mathematical sciences | Physics and astronomy
Resource-efficient quantum simulation of chemistry with quantum computers
This project involves the development of resource-efficient quantum algorithms for molecular simulation and their implementation in quantum hardware in the cloud or directly with experimental collaborators. Beyond the basic science, applications of the quantum solutions developed in transformative technologies like clean energy catalysts and advanced batteries will also be sought. -
Electronics and Computer Science | Engineering | Physics and astronomy
Engineering perfect superconducting qubits
This project engineers the atomic-scale microstructure of Josephson junctions—optimising grain orientation, stress, and interfaces—for longer-lived, reproducible qubits. Students will combine advanced thin-film growth, microscopy, and cryogenic testing to engineer “perfect” quantum hardware. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Space-time quantum metasurfaces for fault-tolerant, scalable quantum computing
This project studies a new hardware paradigm for quantum computing, will theoretically design and experimentally realise a space-time quantum metasurface, a network of dynamically coupled, time-varying qubits. This architecture aims to enable real-time error mitigation and unlock scalable, fault-tolerant quantum processing through emergent collective phenomena.