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EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub

EPSRC Energy Transfer Technologies Doctoral Training Hub

Are you passionate about applying research to real-world problems?

Are you considering a PhD but are also interested in a career in industry?

Are you interested in collaborating with researchers across disciplines including physics, electrical engineering, data science and chemistry?

We are looking for PhD candidates just like you to come join the Hub! Our perks include an enhanced stipend of at least £24,780, a strong academic and industrial network, regular cohort building activities and training sessions, and the support of your peers.

Group photo at Welcome Event

The Hub is based across the UK, with studentships available at a variety of universities. This allows our students to work closely with the experts in their field, and have access to state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, dependent on the topic.

Due to geographical distance, the Hub goes the extra mile to provide our students with a strong community feel and support via regular online catchups and training sessions, as well as in-person training and networking events, including an annual summer school!


Some of our topic areas include:

  • Laser Physics
  • Radio Frequency Systems
  • Power Systems and Energy
  • Thermal Management
  • Systems Engineering
  • Sensing and Situational Awareness
  • Tracking
  • Signal Processing
  • Safety and Safe Operations
Cohort 1 student Liam
Students at Welcome Event

What does a PhD at the Hub look like?

You will conduct your research at the host university of the project you apply to, and will receive an enhanced stipend of £24,780 (£4000 more than the standard UKRI rate)! You will also receive £7,000 per year to help with travel and equipment expenses and conference attendance.

Working with your academic and industrial supervisors, you will conduct the research, learning key methods and skills along the way. There will also be regular training provided by your university and the Hub to aid your development.

You may undertake a placement with your industrial partner during your 4-year PhD, usually in year 2 or 3, which will allow you to understand the bigger picture, and see how your research can be applied to real-world problems.


How to Apply

  1. Select which project(s) you would like to apply to.
  2. Go to the link provided for this project and follow the university’s application process (this is detailed in the studentship advert).
  3. You are advised to contact the supervisor before applying so you can discuss the project and determine whether it will be a good fit for you (their contact email should be in the advert).

Good luck! We hope to see you in October 2025!

Key Dates:

  • 31st March 2025: Application Deadline (make sure the check the deadline for each project)
  • October 2025: PhD start date

Contact us:

Please contact ETT_STH@liverpool.ac.uk if you have any questions.

application process

Stay up to date:

Our current studentships, apply now!

High Power Laser Development, University of Liverpool
Pulsed Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Effects, De Montfort University
High Voltage, High Repetition Rate Pulse Generation, University of Bristol
Relativistic Plasma Optics for Ultraintense Structured Light Generation, University of Strathclyde
Power-Dense Power Electronic Conversion Technologies, University of Strathclyde
Design & Development of Future Generation Laser Beam Combining Modules, Heriot-Watt University
Ultrafast Laser Inscription for Novel High-Power Fibre Laser Components, Heriot Watt University
Prediction of the Specular Component of Reflections from an Evolving Melting Surface, University of Manchester
Investigation of the propagation of laser beams with non-Gaussian spatial and phase profiles through turbulent atmospheres and obscuration, Imperial College London
Understanding and Compensating Turbulence for Free Space Energy Transfer, Durham University
Development of new Particle in Cell capability for High Energy Density Materials, Imperial College London
High Power Mid-IR Lasers, Imperial College London
Laser Filamentation in Water, Imperial College London
Automated Prioritisation and Engagement of Maritime Threats, University of Liverpool
High energy resilient optical coatings, University of Strathclyde
Propagation of RF/microwave signals in plasma, University of Strathclyde
Sideband Suppression on High Power Microwave Antenna, University of Strathclyde
High Power Density Converter Topologies for Pulsed Power Applications, University of Strathclyde
Development of advanced rare-earth doped optical fibres for high-power laser applications, University of Southampton
Monitoring the invisible: Artificial-intelligence-enabled information retrieval and optimisation of laser machining of obscured targets, University of Southampton