This is a 4-year integrated PhD (iPhD) programme and is part of the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Sustainability (SustAI) under the theme Sustainable AI https://sustai.info/. Check this link for info on how to apply: Nanostructured neural architectures for sustainable neuromorphic computing at University of Southampton on FindAPhD.com

Artificial intelligence is transforming society but comes with a growing energy and carbon cost. This project will explore new nanostructured materials and device architectures that can deliver brain-inspired computing with radically improved energy efficiency.

You will design and fabricate nanoscale neural elements using emerging semiconductors, such as 2D materials, ferroelectric polymers, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems, exploring their potential for in-memory sensing, learning, and computation. By integrating these materials into scalable device arrays, the project aims to create neuromorphic systems capable of energy-efficient information processing. 

Working within the SustAI CDT’s multidisciplinary environment, you will collaborate with researchers across electronics, photonics, and machine learning to advance the next generation of green intelligence technologies—bridging materials innovation and sustainable AI architectures. You will join the multi-disciplinary Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab, work at the world-class labs of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, while you will have the opportunity to build connections with UK and European research partners by being affiliated also with the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing.

Additionally, you will be encouraged to attend major conferences, sharing your work and networking with leading experts. The outcomes of your research can have various applications, such as Internet of Things and edge computing, AI, artificial vision, high density data storage for wearable devices, and many others. This project is a chance to contribute to emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionise data processing and computing, while gaining skills, recognition, and experience that will position you as a leader in the field of nanoelectronics and memory technology. 

Optoelectronic device integration for next-generation photonic memories and neuromorphic computing at University of Southampton on FindAPhD.com

This project focuses on developing nanostructured optoelectronic devices for next-generation photonic memory and neuromorphic computing. You will design and fabricate brain-inspired nanoscale systems using advanced materials and nanopatterning, integrating them with photonic sources to realise high-speed, energy-efficient optoelectronic neural networks for future artificial intelligence (AI) and computing technologies.

This project offers an exciting opportunity to work on the cutting-edge design and development of nanoscale optoelectronic devices, specifically tailored for next-generation memory systems and neuromorphic computing applications. These are optoelectronic devices and systems that can realistically emulate biological neural networks. 

In this project you will explore advanced materials and novel nanopatterning techniques to develop the next generation of nanodevices. High throughput fabrication of nanodevices on large areas will be pursued using organic and inorganic materials processed via solution-based or sputtering techniques. You will integrate these devices and arrays with photonic structures, serving as the optical source. This novel optoelectronic technology can effectively emulate synaptic weights and may be programmable both via light and voltage/current. 

You will join the multi-disciplinary Flexible Nanoelectronics Lab, work at the world-class labs of the Optoelectronics Research Centre, while you will have the opportunity to build connections with UK and European research partners by being affiliated also with the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing. Additionally, you will be encouraged to attend major conferences, sharing your work and networking with leading experts. 

The outcomes of your research can have various applications, such as Internet of Things and edge computing, AI, artificial vision, high density data storage for wearable devices, and many others. This project is a chance to contribute to emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionise data processing and computing, while gaining skills, recognition, and experience that will position you as a leader in the field of nanoelectronics and memory technology.