This project sits within the ACRC Academy , a dedicated Centre for Doctoral Training, co-located with the ACRC, whose students will deliver key aspects of the ACRC research agenda through a new doctoral-level research and training programme that will also equip them for careers across a wide range of pioneering and influential leadership roles in the public, private and third sectors.
The PhD with Integrated Study in Advanced Care is a novel, structured, thematic, cohort-based, programme of 48 months duration. Each PhD research project within the Academy has been devised by a supervisory team comprising academic staff from at least two of the three colleges within the University of Edinburgh. Each annual cohort of around twelve will include students with disciplinary backgrounds spanning from engineering and data science to humanities, social science, business and commerce, social work, medicine and related health and care professions. This unique level of diversity is a key attribute of our programme.
Project
Aim
To develop the next generation of infrared sensors for woundcare through advanced monitoring of acute and chronic wounds.
Objectives
- Design and synthesize a novel class of nanomaterials with a wide and tuneable detection range in the infrared region, up to 2000nm
- Fabricate the near infrared sensors using roll to roll compatible printing methods, such as inkjet additive manufacturing
- Investigate the application of developed sensors for the monitoring of infection and healing status of acute and chronic wounds
Description
In this project, we aim to develop the next generation of printed infrared sensors that are non-contact, portable, and/or wearable for a range of medical conditions. Our technology, based on hybrid organic-inorganic nanomaterial systems and inkjet printing, is much cheaper and affordable in manufacturing, and more sensitive in performance compared to the standard state of the art detector technology available in the market. Adjusting the size and chemical structure of used nanomaterials, the detection range can be tuned for medicine quality control or diseases diagnosis/routine monitoring. As infectious diseases and related conditions have an enormous importance for health ageing and later life, this project aims to implement the developed sensors to woundcare through monitoring the infection and wound healing status of acute and chronic wounds. As a unique advantage of our technology, the ultrathin flexible sensors can be also potentially included in the dressing to monitor wound healing and infection status in a spatially resolved way. These signals could then be sent to a physician while the patient is at home, e.g. in home care (e.g. chronic wound (pressure ulcer or diabetic foot ulcer) or aftercare after discharge from a hospital (acute wound after operation).
Further Information:
You must read How to apply prior to application
Please Apply here
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Assistant Supervisor:
Eligibility:
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Application requirements: familiar with semiconductor materials, electronic devices, and optoelectronic characterization methods; education background preferably in one of the following fields: materials science, electrical engineering, (applied) physics, or chemistry; interested in (and capable of) working with biomedical assays.
We are specifically looking for applicants who will view their cutting-edge PhD research project in the context of the overall vision of the ACRC, who are keen to contribute to tackling a societal grand challenge and who can add unique value to – and derive great benefit from – training in a cohort comprising colleagues with a very diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds. We advise prospective candidates to engage in dialogue with the named project supervisor and/or the Director of the Academy prior to submitting an application.
Funding:
Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home/EU and International students
