PhD Studentship: Bionic Vision

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

This PhD is an opportunity to take part in research into advanced neuroprosthetic solutions to bringing sight back to the blind (i.e. bionic vision). The Newcastle Visual Prosthesis project is developing a special brain implant which works in tandem with gene therapy to stimulate the visual cortex and thus bypass the broken elements of the visual system in various blinding disorders.

Our implant combines photonics, microelectronics, embedded systems, advanced implant probe design and signal processing. There are opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds to work on the following possible projects: 

1. Bionic Vision microelectronics: In this project, you would develop advanced low-power mixed-signal (analog + digital) circuitry on CMOS chips which will drive our custom implants 
2. Bionic Vision implantable probes: In this project, you will use advanced microfabrication (cleanroom) techniques to combine electronics, photonics, and biocompatible brain probes. 
3. Bionic Vision Embedded Systems: Here, you would combine advanced microcontrollers, power and data transmission systems to create a subcutaneous control unit for bionic vision. 
4. Bionic Vision Biophysics: Here, you will explore the basic biophysics/neuroscience issues that have been a barrier to bionic vision to date, then develop advanced methods to talk to the brain.  

Our aim is to utilise this technology to restore sight to those blinded by diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and glaucoma. Many groups have tried this to date with disappointing results. However, we believe that with a sufficiently advanced brain interface, we can restore sight sufficiently to allow blind people to navigate and find objects and people. 

The work would be carried out in our exciting neuroprosthesis lab with an interdisciplinary team of post-doctoral staff and PhD students. We have a vibrant research culture with regular meetings and debates. We are friendly and welcoming of people from many diverse backgrounds. The lab is part of the wider Newcastle University Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering.

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026 

Award Duration

4 Years

Application Closing Date

18th February 2026

Sponsor

EPSRC  

Supervisors

Prof. Patrick Degenaar 

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here. 

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification may not be required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss flexibilities and request an exemption.

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.

How To Apply

For information on how to apply, please see Postgraduate Funding Search | Newcastle University

Contact Details

patrick.dgenaar@newcastle.ac.uk   

doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application. 

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