This 36-month funded PhD programme is supported by Vestas Wind Systems (a global leader in wind energy) and the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award, offering a tax-free stipend of £23,805 per year plus full Home tuition fees.

If you’re passionate about clean energy innovation and real-world engineering impact, this studentship is designed for you.

PhD Studentship Summary (2026 Entry)

About the PhD Research

Wind energy is one of the fastest-growing sources of renewable power worldwide. However, one of the key challenges in wind turbine development is aerodynamic noise, which can limit turbine placement and affect surrounding communities.

This PhD project focuses on developing next-generation wind turbine blades that are:

• Quieter (reduced aerodynamic noise)
• More efficient (improved aerodynamic performance)
• Environmentally sustainable

The research is inspired by bio-inspired engineering, particularly the silent flight of owls, which naturally minimise noise through unique wing structures.

Research Objectives

As a PhD candidate, you will work on:

Bio-Inspired Blade Design

• Study natural noise-reduction mechanisms (e.g., owl wings)
• Apply these principles to turbine blade design

Aeroacoustic Performance Analysis

• Investigate how airflow interacts with blade surfaces
• Reduce aerodynamic noise without reducing efficiency

Scale-Up Methodology

• Translate lab-scale findings into real-world turbine applications
• Develop scalable engineering solutions for industry use

Industry Collaboration with Vestas Wind Systems

This PhD is conducted in collaboration with Vestas Wind Systems, one of the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturers.

What this means for you:

• Work on real industry problems
• Gain exposure to commercial wind energy systems
• Build strong industry connections
• Enhance your employability in renewable energy careers

Funding Details (2026)

This is a fully funded PhD studentship that includes:

• £23,805 annual tax-free stipend
• Full tuition fee coverage (Home students)
• Access to advanced research facilities
• Opportunity to work within a top UK research centre

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Have (or expect) a First Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) degree
• Degree should be in:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Acoustic Engineering
  • Physics
  • Or a closely related field

Preferred (but not mandatory):

• A Master’s degree
• Interest or experience in:
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aeroacoustics
  • Experimental research
  • Sustainable engineering

Application Requirements

You must submit the following documents:

• Updated CV
• One-page personal statement (why you are suitable)
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• Contact details of two academic referees
• IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all sections), if applicable

📧 Send your application as a single PDF file to:
t.p.chong@brunel.ac.uk

For more details on the application, click here. 

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 (12 noon UK time)
• Interview Date: 4 September 2026
• Start Date: 1 October 2026 (or shortly after)

Meet the Supervisor – Professor Tze Pei Chong

Professor Tze Pei Chong is a leading researcher in:

• Aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
• Wind turbine noise reduction
• Experimental fluid mechanics

Working under his supervision, you will gain hands-on research experience and mentorship in a high-impact engineering field.

Why You Should Apply

• Work on future wind energy technology
• Contribute to global sustainability goals
• Gain industry experience with Vestas
• Receive full financial support
• Build a career in renewable energy engineering

 Important Notes

• This studentship is primarily for Home (UK) students
• Applications must be submitted before the deadline
• Ensure all documents are combined into one PDF
• Late or incomplete applications may not be considered

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