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There is an opportunity to bring together creative design activities to exploit the responsive and adaptive ’smart’ materials that are a result of rapid development in electro, photo active polymers or OFED’s (organic thin film electronic devices), bio-responsive hydrogels, integrated into MEMS/NEMS devices and systems respectively.
By understanding the characteristics and properties of OFED’s and bio polymers and how they can be transformed into implementable physical forms, innovative products and services can be developed, with wide implications.
The three domains of fashion, technology and science are combining to form a technological paradigm of soft technologies for wearable purposes. The integration of textiles, technology and science has hit a boom from 2007 as technology has developed to a point where more mobile/wearable/flexible technology is possible through miniaturisation as well as the technology to create materials and structures with specifically engineered properties. This start point will form the basis of exploration of the fusion between sensors, sensing and wearable technology.
The essential contact between textile type surfaces and skin and human activity offers significant potential for assistive healthcare and ambient assisted living.
Research will go from materials analysis, understanding the properties of different structures combined with specific functionalities to closely studying how people will interact with the materials when incorporated into product and have optimum impact for individual needs.
In particular, the enabling process integration will be afforded by printable sensors, detectors and delivery systems for applications in healthcare such as smart bandages, wearable devices for detecting the onset of epilepsy and wireless EEG skin patches.
Priority is given to keeping items soft and flexible to work with the person’s body’s anatomy, not against it.
Enquiries regarding this studentship should be made to Prof. Raymond Oliver, 0207 713 1991, raymond.oliver@northumbria.ac.uk
Applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree (in a relevant subject) from a British higher education institution, or equivalent. Students who are not UK/EU residents are eligible to apply, provided they hold the relevant academic qualifications, together with an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
You should apply using the University’s Research Application Form, available via the link on this page. Applications should be submitted to Mark Grant, School of Design Research Administrator, via email to m.grant@northumbria.ac.uk
Funding Notes:
The studentship includes a full stipend, paid for three years at RCUK rates (figure for 2012/13 is 13,590 pa) and home fees.
References:
Oliver, R., Toomey, A. and Tillotson, J. (2010) ‘Bioengineered Textiles – The convergence of bioengineering and electroactive conductive polymers for assistive healthcare’. Conference proceedings. WACBE – TBIS special symposium, Hong Kong. ISSN 19423438