SDRC has significant industrial funding and partnership in research into structural integrity in terms of corrosion, corrosion condition monitoring and prediction, nano coatings, and renewable technology.

Dr Khan has formed strong partnerships with industry such as Future Energy Source Ltd, The Tank Museum and Poole Tidal Energy Partnership.

Collaborative work is conducted with academic partners at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee USA, PES Institute of Technology Bangalore India and National Institute of Technology Srinagar India.

Dr Khan is leading a PhD programme (£24K plus £36K in kind) in “electroplated composite coatings with incorporated nano particles for tribological systems with a focus on water lubrication”.

SDRC has expertise complimented by advanced experimental and analytical tools in climatic simulation, nano-coatings, thermal characterisation, fluid properties, surface mapping, mechanical characterisation & Tribo-testing.

This project is at the forefront of defining the future in terms of developing cutting edge technology for the next generation industrial applications to enhance efficiency and reduce energy waste. The research and development in this area will bring significant academic, industrial and societal impacts.

SDRC has joined forces with the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST) to conduct collaborative research. This collaboration will benefit the research through joint supervision, exchange of expertise, sharing experimental and analytical resources at both Universities. This will provide a strong foundation for the personal and professional development of the PhD student.

NUST is located in the Capital City Islamabad with campuses all across Pakistan. NUST is listed in the top 500 HEIs in the World QS ranking, top 200 in the Asia and the No 1 University in Pakistan. NUST has 18 Schools / Colleges, 5 Research Centres and 5 Departments in Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. NUST has 51 research disciplines enlisted at. NUST is one of the most desired universities in Pakistan. More than 70,000 students apply each year against 2,000 seats in various UG disciplines.    

What does the funded studentship include? Funded candidates will receive a maintenance grant of £14,000 (unless otherwise specified) per annum, to cover their living expenses and have their fees waived for 36 months. In addition, research costs, including field work and conference attendance, will be met.

Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 3 years.

All candidates must satisfy the University’s minimum doctoral entry criteria for studentships of an honours degree at Upper Second Class (2.1) and/or an appropriate Master’s degree. An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (or equivalent) is essential for candidates for whom English is not their first language.