CEDAR, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicines and Development Manufacturing

CEDAR is an ambitious 8.5-year programme funded by a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) grant from UKRI, developed in collaboration with industry partners. CEDAR aims to develop the way that can help make medicines manufacturing more sustainable, resilient and human-centric. This ground-breaking programme is set to revolutionise the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by addressing critical skills needs within the industry. The programme offers 17 fully funded PhD studentships per year covering home tuition fees, research and training expenses, and a monthly stipend for 4 years. The first year is dedicated entirely to training at partner institutions including University of Strathclyde, Leeds, Sheffield, and Imperial College London. Students work on individual research projects while collaborating within research challenge teams (RCTs) focused on nanomedicines, drug substance, or drug product to patient. CEDAR researchers explore how cyber-physical systems, including AI, robotics, and augmented reality, can transform pharma manufacturing. The programme includes industry placements with leading pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda and UCB, providing hands-on experience and valuable networking opportunities.