Key Information
Funding provider: Swansea University – Flintec
Subject area(s): Mechanical Engineering (Materials Science, Chemical Engineering)
Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September)
Supervisors: Professor Davide Deganello & Dr Chris Phillips. Industrial supervisor: Dr Andrew Waters
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, PhD in Chemical Engineering, PhD in Material Sciences
Mode of study: Full-time.
Project Description:
Background
Strain gauges are essential for precision sensing, measuring material deformation by detecting changes in electrical resistance. Their accuracy depends on the precise adhesion and integration of layers during fabrication, ensuring durability and reliable performance. This PhD project will develop innovative adhesive deposition and curing techniques to enhance both performance and sustainability in strain gauge manufacturing.
The project is in collaboration with Flintec, a global leader in load and force sensing technology, producing over 6 million strain gauges annually. As industries transition to Industry 4.0, smart sensor technologies are becoming central to automation and intelligent systems. This research will contribute to the next generation of high-performance, energy-efficient sensors.
Project Overview
This PhD offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge sensor manufacturing by developing novel adhesive deposition and curing processes. The research will focus on:
- Advanced Adhesive Formulations – Investigating adhesive properties and rheology to improve deposition precision and bonding performance.
- Optimised Curing Techniques – Enhancing polymer cross-linking through advanced UV and thermal curing methods.
- Radiation-Assisted Curing – Exploring innovative, energy-efficient curing processes that reduce carbon emissions and improve scalability.
Research Environment & Career Prospects
The successful candidate will be based at Swansea University’s Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating (WCPC), a world-leading research hub in printing and printed electronics. The project will provide:
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and expertise in materials science, adhesion technology, and manufacturing.
- Direct collaboration with Flintec, offering real-world industrial experience and application-driven research.
- Development of an advanced technical and research skillset, leading to strong career prospects in materials science, sensor technology, and advanced manufacturing.
- Opportunities to present at international conferences and industry events, enhancing academic and professional visibility
Beyond strain gauges, this research will have broader implications for sustainable manufacturing, influencing developments in materials engineering, printed electronics, and adhesive technology.
Eligibility
Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See – Country-specific Information for EU and International Candidates.
English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
ATAS
Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.
ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer.
Funding
UK fee-eligible students: This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 25/26).
International students: Fully covered – through SUIPRES
Fully if the applicant is successful in being offered a SUIPRES Scholarship as outlined below.
Swansea University is pleased to offer the Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES). This is a competitively awarded Scholarship open to overseas PhD and Professional Doctorate applicants eligible for the international rate of tuition fees who can demonstrate excellence in academic achievement.
The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme. Successful candidates will be charged fees aligned to the UK rate per year. The scholarship will be offset against your tuition fee liability
All International applications will be considered for a SUIPRES Scholarship. You will be informed whether a SUIPRES Scholarship will be offered within your offer letter.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete your application online with the following information
- Course choice– please select as per preferred mode of study:
(Full Time) Mechanical Engineering / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October
2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)
In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this case, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.
- ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
- ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS797 Strain Gauge Sensors’
*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.
One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.
NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD – to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.
As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):
- CV
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- A cover letter
- One reference
- Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
- Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
- Confirmation of EDI form submission
Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.
Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Professor Davide Deganello (D.Deganello@Swansea.ac.uk)
*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co- funding of a scholarship project is applicable.
