EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training
Cyber-physical systems for medicine development and manufacturing (CEDAR)
Fully funded PhD programme. University of Strathclyde, University of Leeds, University of Sheffield and Imperial College London.
About the programme
Training the next generation of medicines-manufacturing researchers.
CEDAR is an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in cyber-physical systems for medicines manufacturing, built with CMAC's industry partners to get new medicines to patients faster, more sustainably and more cost-effectively.
You'll join a cohort-based community across four world-class universities. Your first year is dedicated to structured training before you begin your three-year research project inside a Research Challenge Theme.
Why CEDAR?
What sets this programme apart
Top research institutions
Based at the University of Strathclyde, with opportunities at Leeds, Sheffield, and Imperial College London.
World-class training and technologies
Access to state-of-the-art processing and digital technologies, including AI, robotics, and augmented reality.
Industry placements
Gain hands-on experience through placements with leading pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Sanofi.
Global networking
Present your research at international events and build connections across academia and industry.
Research challenges
Find the right challenge for you
Each student focuses on an individual project while collaborating with a team across a shared research challenge. Projects are co-designed with academic supervisors and industry partners.
When applying, you will be asked to select your project preference from the research challenges below.
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Programme structure
Your CEDAR journey
CEDAR is a four-year programme. Your first year builds confidence and capability before your independent research project begins.
Every researcher's path is different — this is a typical outline of what to expect.
Year 1
Structured training across the CEDAR cohort, building core skills in cyber-physical systems, AI, robotics and augmented reality before you choose your Research Challenge Theme.
Year 2
Your independent research project begins, co-designed with your academic supervisor and an industry partner.
Year 3
Continue your research, with the opportunity to undertake an industry placement and start presenting your work at academic and industry events.
Year 4
Complete your research project and thesis, ready to move into a career in academia or industry.
Funding and Eligibility
Studentship details
£20,780+ per year
Tax-free annual spend | Home tuition fees covered | Research and training costs included | 4 years total funding
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent)
Relevant disciplines include chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science, pharmaceutical sciences, computer science, data science, electrical or mechanical engineering
MSc desirable
IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each element) for international students whose first language is not English
Eligibility
UK and Irish nationals
EU Settlement Scheme (settled or pre-settled status)
Indefinite leave to remain in the UK
International applications up to 3 positions available - highly competitive, MSc and IELTS 6.5 prioritised
Part-time opportunities may be available, please contact the Skills team for more information.
CEDAR is committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion across its research, teaching and working environments. This commitment is shared across our four partner universities: each holds Athena Swan awards at institutional and departmental level, recognising their work to advance gender equality, and all are members of the Race Equality Charter. The University of Strathclyde, the University of Sheffield and Imperial College London are also accredited under the UK Government's Disability Confident scheme.
How to apply
Application process
1) Browse 2026 project outlines
Review available projects and check availability. You may select multiple projects across Research Challenge teams.
2) Complete the online application form
Click any of our Apply now buttons to submit your application. A downloadable template is available to prepare your answers offline. No CVs will be accepted - you must enter all information in the form. If you need this form in a different format or require support completing it, please contact skills@cmac.ac.uk.
3) Shortlisting and interview
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will hear back within one month of the closing date. Conditional offers may be issued; an unconditional offer follows via the university admissions system.
Apply early to access the widest selection of projects. Questions? Contact skills@cmac.ac.uk
Read about how we process your data by reading our Privacy Notice.
Researcher voices
What our PhD researchers say
“For students eager to push the boundaries of pharmaceutical manufacturing and develop in-demand skills in data-driven research, a PhD at CMAC is a stellar choice.”
Theo Tait, PhD Researcher
“CMAC helps you develop your skills and expertise in line with industry needs, offering a pathway to success through collaboration with leading partners.”
Irene Moreno Flores, PhD Researcher
FAQs
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Part-time study may be available for applicants who are unable to join the programme full-time. If you would like to explore how part-time arrangements might apply to a specific project, we encourage you to contact us (link skills mailbox) to explore further.
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At the moment, we are unable to accept international applicants. We hope to open applications to international students in the next round, from 5th December 2025 to 30th January 2026. Please check back at this time or follow us on LinkedIn for updates.
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Yes, when filling in the application form you have the option to select multiple projects across multiple Research Challenge Teams.
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Yes, you are encouraged to contact supervisors to learn more about the research projects and the practicalities of undertaking a PhD. If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Skills team.
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During your first year, you will be trained by experts across each of the partner institutes during residential training weeks at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Strathclyde, and Imperial College London. This training is then consolidated in the dynamic and collaborative CPS Living Lab Team projects, where you work with your peers to design and implement your own cyber-physical system for medicines manufacturing research. You'll gain systems-thinking skills and a deep understanding of the evolving medicines landscape, digital transformation, and sustainability; plus a strong foundation in transferable skills. All training, travel, and placement costs are fully covered. If this doesn’t sound like the programme for you, please check the CMAC website for other PhD opportunities.
Funders and partners
