Job Description
Project details
This PhD focuses on the development of a novel approach to measuring the traction behaviour of artificial turf, supported by FieldTurf, a global leader in the production of artificial turf for sport. The research has the potential to make a significant and novel contribution to player-surface traction and support the development of new testing capabilities relevant to manufacturers of both artificial turf and studded footwear. It will also provide excellent employment opportunities to the researcher.
The aims of this project include:
- To enhance current traction testing methods to better reflect player boot-surface interactions.
- To better understand the complex role of the surface (i.e., fibre-infill interactions) in the generation of traction forces.
- To advance the measurement of the boot-surface interaction forces.
The project builds on previous work that has developed instrumented rotational and linear laboratory-based traction equipment, but to date stopped short of measuring actual footwear outsoles and studs on artificial turf surfaces. It will also benefit from a novel methodology to observe and measure the surface response during traction testing and it is expected that this will be further extended within the PhD.
The successful student will join the internationally recognised Sport Surfaces Research Group, with academics and researchers working across projects in sports surface safety and performance. The research group is part of the Sports Technology Institute with a long history of successful research collaborations with global companies and Loughborough University is ranked the best university in the world for sports-related subjects (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2025).
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor:Â Professor Steph Forrester
Secondary supervisor:Â Professor Paul Fleming
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in engineering, physics, sports and exercise science or equivalent. A relevant master’s degree, or industrial experience, is desirable but not essential.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
International fee
Fully funded Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under ‘Campus’, please select ‘Loughborough’ and select ‘Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering’ under ‘Programme’. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘TRACTION-SF-25’ in your application under the ‘Finance’ section.
Applications must include the minimum supporting documents listed on our ‘How to Apply’ webpage, including a curriculum vitae (CV), and a reference to the project ‘TRACTION-SF-25’. Incomplete applications received after the advert closing date may not be considered for interview.
The selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help make a decision on your application.
