Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials (DTC)

A Doctoral Training Centre for a better future by education and training in the science of nanomaterials.

BCFN Home Page

Nanomaterials are materials which operate on the nanoscale, 1 millionth of a mm. Functional nanomaterials are ones which have been designed for a particular purpose, for example in electronics, medicine, paints and dyes, or a whole range of commercial applications. Nanoscience is multidisciplinary, with experts in physics, chemistry, engineering and biology all required to play their role.

Schematic diagram showing an SPM oxidising individual Si atoms.	Time resolved SPM image of the oxidised atoms.	ZnO nanorods grown in an aqueous solution.

This EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) has a bold vision to train a new generation of researchers to PhD level for UK industry and academe. Graduates of the DTC will be outstanding practitioners of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and will be equipped with enhanced team-working and problem-solving skills that will enable them to address successfully the full range of nanoscience problems of the future.

The Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials DTC is shared between the Physics and Chemistry Departments, but is administered by Dr Terry McMaster from the Department of Physics, who will shortly set up a Home Page with more infomation. This DTC will be allocated ten 4-year PhD studentships (and associated support costs) per annum over a 5 year period, beginning October 2009.

Applying to do a PhD in the Functional Nanomaterials DTC

Applications are welcomed from students from the UK/EU with, or expecting to gain, a first or upper second class honours MSci/MChem degree (or equivalent). Interests in any area of modern nanotechnology, nanoscience, chemistry, physics, materials, or any suitable discipline would also be welcomed.

As well as opportunities in this DTC, the School of Chemistry has another DTC focusing upon synthetic chemistry ('Bristol Chemical Synthesis'), plus standard PhD studentships are also available in all branches of chemistry beginning in October 2009.

Please see the BCFN Home page for the online application procedure.