Materials Science and Engineering: Accelerating Sustainable Alloy Development using Machine Learning (RS965)

Funding Providers: LSN Diffusion Ltd & Swansea University (IGNITE)

Subject Area: Materials Science and Engineering

Project Start Dates: October 2026

Supervisors:

• Professor Nicholas Lavery (Swansea University)
• Dr. Gavin Stratford (LSN Diffusion)
• Dr. Philip Allnatt (LSN Diffusion)
• Professor Cameron Pleydell-Pearce (Swansea University)

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering

Mode of study: Full time

Place of study:

·        Swansea University (Bay Campus)

·        Other: LSN Diffusion (Ammanford)

Project description:

This project focuses on developing a novel, hybrid Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) framework to accelerate the discovery of advanced steel powders. By integrating Machine Learning (ML) with physics-based modelling (CALPHAD) and Rapid Alloy Prototyping, the successful candidate will create a "digital-first" workflow to optimize steel alloys for the nuclear and automotive sectors.

Key applications include:

1.      Optimizing nuclear-grade low alloy steel for reactor pressure vessels.

2.      Designing sustainable, corrosion-resistant alloys for automotive brake cladding to meet Euro 7 standards.

3.      Developing Fe-based alloys for plasma-clad components as eco-friendly alternatives to Cobalt-Chromium.

This research is part of the IGNITE project, aiming to transition the UK steel industry toward a circular, net-zero economy.

Essential Skills:

• Programming proficiency (Python or MATLAB).
• Strong aptitude for computational modelling and data analysis.
• ·Knowledge of alloys, and the links between composition, processing, microstructures and properties (including tensile, fatigue, toughness and corrosion).

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with ML libraries (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow).
• Knowledge of CALPHAD (ThermoCalc) or FEA.
• Practical lab experience (Metallographic preparation, use of optical and SEM microscopes, XRD, mechanical testing).

UK fee eligible applicants only

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA (Full list of categories for HE in Wales)

Note for international and European applicants:   

Details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.   

PhD:  Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. 

English Language 

IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here. 

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27).

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available to cover both laboratory and travel/subsistence expenses.

LSN Diffusion will provide production materials, access to specialized facilities, and technical mentorship.

To apply, please complete the entire application form here.

To be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required.

1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award i.e. RS965

2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory)

• In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input:

•  the RS Code, RS965
• the scholarship title

• Please leave Proposed Supervisor field blank
• Please leave Research Project (if applicable) blank
• In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload? *’(Mandatory) Please select Yes
• Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to pdf)

3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected.

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

If you’ve previously applied for this programme, the system will display an “Application Submitted” warning and block a new submission. In this case:   

1. Apply for the same course with the next available start date (e.g., select January if October is unavailable).   
2. Email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with your student number and the relevant scholarship RS code, requesting the start date be amended to match the advert.   
3. Admissions staff will then update your application accordingly.  

Important: If you have previously applied for the same programme & intake, do not re‑apply using a different email address. Applications submitted with an email address that differs from the one used in your original application will not be accepted or considered.  

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

•           CV

•           Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient)

•           A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.

•           One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.

•           Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).

•           Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)

•           Confirmation of EDI form submission

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact:

NAME: Professor Nicholas P Lavery

EMAIL: N.P.Lavery@swansea.ac.uk

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.