Nuclear Decommissioning is a National Priority for the UK. Pursuing a PhD in Nuclear Decommissioning offers prospective researchers the opportunity to work on one of the country's most significant engineering, environmental, and societal challenges. The UK's future energy strategy includes both renewable energy and new nuclear power. With strong industry partnerships, excellent career prospects, and opportunities to address globally significant challenges, a PhD in Nuclear Decommissioning offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while developing world-class research and technical expertise.
Autonomous wireless sensing, as a key technology in the era of industrial digitalisation, provides a paradigm shift in the efficient monitoring of nuclear decommissioning sites, enabling real-time data collection with minimal human interventions. A key challenge is the need for frequent battery replacement due to lack of access to the main power supply. This project aims to develop a novel solution for condition monitoring of air ducts in nuclear decommissioning sites, by designing, optimising, and testing an autonomous wireless multi-parameter sensing node.
The successful applicant will work at the intersection of science, sustainability, and innovation. Key skills are related to integrating airflow energy harvesting, multiparameter sensing and wireless communication. The airflow energy harvester-sensor will autonomously power the sensor node (including corrosion, temperature sensors and wireless communication modules). The proposed solution is an innovative way to monitor the condition of air ducts in nuclear decommissioning environment, which will create significant impact on the use of digital technologies in nuclear decommissioning.
The project is co-funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Bursary scheme and Loughborough University.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in Engineering or Physics, or equivalent relevant industrial experience.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
This PhD is partially supported by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (subject to contract), offering funding for 3.5 years. The studentship provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for the duration of the studentship.
Due to funding restrictions, tuition fees at UK level will be offered to the successful applicant. Applications from international students will be considered; however, successful applicants must be able to cover the difference between the UK and international tuition fee rates.
Information on tuition fee levels for this PhD, based on subject area, can be found on our webpage here.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering. Please quote the advertised reference number FP-ST-2026R2 in your application.
Applications must include a personal statement, up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV), details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and reference to the project ‘FP-ST-2026R2.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents above. Submission of a Research Proposal is not essential but may strengthen your application.
Apply now
