Applications are now open for an October 2026 start.

Interview date: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (interviews will be held online).

The Project

This project will deliver a data-economic AI-driven platform for discovering and optimising lithium-based molten salts, tackling three fusion-critical challenges, such as efficient heat removal, tritium self-sufficiency and material stability under extreme conditions, while also ensuring applicability to broader energy and aerospace materials problems.

The project will the objectives of thermal management, tritium breeding and safety/stability of materials in radiation induced environment. By achieving these objectives, the project will establish a robust, economic-AI approach that accelerates fusion-relevant material discovery, diminish experimental burden and lays the groundwork for rapid, data-efficient innovation across energy and aerospace domains.

The project also aligns with the global imperatives of achieving net zero emissions and fostering environmental sustainability. The integration of AI and simulation techniques enhances the understanding of molten salt behaviour in fusion environments and support the technological innovation required for transitioning to cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

Fusion energy promises limitless, sustainable power with zero carbon emissions. University of Lincoln invite students with strong foundations in chemical engineering, materials science, nuclear engineering, or computational modelling to contribute to the development of fusion energy systems. The project offers a dynamic interdisciplinary path and supported by multidisciplinary team.

The student will work closely with the industrial and academic supervisory team to acquire a diverse and interdisciplinary skillset covering materials science, fusion energy technology and digital engineering techniques.

Funding

The University of Lincoln has received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences research Council to establish a Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA), which will provide skills and training to foster the next generation of world-class research leadership in areas of strategic importance to both EPSRC and the University of Lincoln. The DLA focuses on three interconnected themes: environmental monitoring and sustainability; data-economic machine learning and AI; energy systems and materials innovation.

By aligning cutting-edge research with real-world challenges across multiple sectors, the DLA will produce versatile, highly skilled researchers ready to drive innovation in academia, industry, and beyond.

ENACT’s fully funded studentship package includes;

Funding for tuition fees, maintenance, and funding for travel and consumables
Supervision by academic experts
Working with external stakeholders
Excellent training opportunities
Opportunities for group project work to encourage publishable, multi-disciplinary projects and develop team-working skills

The DLA adopts a holistic, student-centred approach that integrates in-depth subject knowledge, research skills, and broader professional development. The DLA is also committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. Our approach to student experience and research culture is designed to address diverse needs, champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, and promote wellbeing and collaborative working.

To apply

Visit https://enact-dla.blogs.lincoln.ac.uk/apply-now/

University of Lincoln

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AI-driven Optimisation of Lithium based Molten Salts for Advancing Fusion Energy Technology