Multi-scale modelling of new materials and microstructure for offshore wind turbines

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience, a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The project tackles critical material challenges in sustainable energy by focusing on high-performance magnets for wind turbines and their reliance on rare-earth elements. The research uses a dual-pronged approach: first, a high-throughput computational search for new magnetic materials using ab-initio simulations, and second, exploring revolutionary combinatorial magnets by strategically combining different materials. The successful applicant will undertake six months of training with the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing PhD research at the University of Sheffield. The project has strong industrial sponsorship from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and will directly aid the discovery and development of next-generation magnetic materials. The scholarship covers fees plus a stipend of £20,780 per annum at 2025/26 rates and will increase in line with EPSRC guidelines for subsequent years. Candidates will benefit from a comprehensive taught programme and continuing professional development embedded throughout the 4-year research scholarship.