EPSRC CDT in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT)

12+ fully funded 4-year studentships available for September 2027 start

Continuing its participation in the UK Government’s TechFirst pilot in 2026, 2DMoT CDT is benefiting from TechFirst Doctoral Phase 2 funding that allows Home students (as defined by UKRI) starting in September 2027 to receive an enhanced doctoral stipend of £30,000. See below for details.

The Centre for Doctoral Training in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT) is a 4-year PhD programme providing the students with the knowledge and skills for cutting edge, cross-disciplinary research in the science and applications of two-dimensional materials - a new class of advanced materials with potential to transform modern technologies, from clean energy to quantum engineering. The CDT is a partnership between the University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge and offers an opportunity to do a PhD in a highly interdisciplinary environment and as part of collaborative teams.

As a PhD student you will participate in pioneering research on a wide range of topics while gaining experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, interaction with high tech and engineering companies and communication with the wider society – a perfect foundation for a future career in industry or academia.

Studentships are available in the following research areas:

• 2D materials discovery (experiment and theory)
• 2D materials for photonics, spintronics, optoelectronics
• Chemistry and synthesis of 2D materials
• 2D materials for energy applications
• 2D materials for sensors and quantum devices
• 2D materials-enhanced composites and materials development
• Novel multifunctional 2D membranes and heterostructures

The PhD programme includes the following elements:

• Bespoke 6-month training in key research skills
• Network of industrial partners
• Fully funded secondments to partner companies and overseas research institutions
• Business engagement and training in commercialization of research
• Annual CDT conferences and bespoke events
• Vibrant interdisciplinary environment at the National Graphene Institute and Cambridge Graphene Centre

TechFirst pilot:

2DMoT CDT is part of the UK TechFirst pilot, offering an enhanced stipend to students eligible for home fee status. The aim of the TechFirst pilot is to explore whether enhanced stipends make doctoral study a more competitive and financially viable alternative to entry-level industry roles. This is in response to identified skills shortages in digital and technology areas important for the UK government’s industrial strategy, declining numbers of doctoral applications from students with home fee status, and to increase socioeconomic inclusion in engineering and physical sciences doctoral training.

TechFirst is part of the TechFirst skills programme supporting doctoral students eligible for home fee status in participating UKRI Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) and Doctoral Focal Awards (DFAs) in the six frontier industries under the digital and technologies sector in the UK’s modern industrial strategy.  The programme is being delivered by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), working with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). 

In return to the enhanced financial support TechFirst students will be expected to:

• Organise and lead widening participation activities to encourage the next generation, committing a minimum of 5 volunteering days annually to these activities;
• Attend TechFirst insight sessions (online) and cohort networking events;
• Engage with the wider TechFirst programme (for example, supporting undergraduate and Masters students funded through other parts of the programme);
• Engage with events focused on innovation and commercialisation of research at nationwide TechFirst Summits. 
• Organise and lead local and regional activities aimed at relevant industry partners in technology sectors.

These activities are expected to take up to 10 days each year.

How to apply

All applicants to the CDT should apply to the University of Manchester. We welcome applicants from across the physical sciences, including Physics, Chemistry, Materials, and Engineering. You should have, or expect to achieve, a 1st class or high 2.1 UK undergraduate degree comprising at least 4 years of training in the relevant subject, e.g., a 4-year integrated Master's degree or a BSc followed by an MSc. Evidence of some research experience is highly desirable (this includes extended undergraduate projects).

You must be enthusiastic and looking for a challenging, interdisciplinary research environment.

The application process is explained on our website www.2d-materials-cdt.manchester.ac.uk.

If you have any queries in the meantime, feel free to email us 2D-materials@manchester.ac.uk.