Additive Manufacturing (3D-Printing) of Elastomeric Latticed Structured Footwear for Patients with Diabetic Foot Disease

An exciting opportunity to apply for eight fully funded PhD positions in the College of Arts, Technology and Environment, UWE Bristol.

Ref: 2223-APR-CATE18

The expected start date of these studentships is 1 April 2023.

The closing date for applications is 8 January 2023.

Please note: out of the eight projects being advertised for the CATE Studentships 2022. The projects for funding will be selected based on the merit of applicants following the process outlined below.

Globally, 451 million people were estimated to have diabetes in 2017, which is expected to increase to 693 million by 2045. Diabetic foot disease (DFD) is one the most critical complications resulting from Diabetes Mellitus. Foot ulceration and infection frequently arise, associated with changes in the mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissues, peripheral arterial disease, and sensory neuropathy. Diabetic insoles are currently the mainstay in reducing the risk of foot ulcers by reducing the magnitude of the pressure on the plantar. 

This project aims to develop a novel pressure relieving footwear based on additively manufactured (AM) cellular lattice structures to minimize the pressure on the heel and arch, thus reducing the occurrence of foot ulcers. The project will utilise a state-of-the-art laser sintering machine to fabricate a range of high energy absorbing footwears using soft elastomeric materials. The project also aims to formulate natural antimicrobial materials to minimise infections.  Applying innovative 3D lattice generation tools and advanced computational methods, the successful PhD will develop functionally gradient conformal footwears with antimicrobial properties to achieve tailored stiffness and lightweights by using parametric and field-driven optimisation techniques. 

Motivated candidates with knowledge/interest in the design for additive manufacturing, solid mechanics, material characterisation, and experimentation with novel materials are encouraged to apply. Experience with experimental and computational analysis with elastomers would be beneficial.

The successful candidate will be a member of the Engineering, Modelling and Simulation Group (EMSG) Engineering, Modelling and Simulation Group (EMSG) 

You can also contact Professor Jessica Lamond or Dr Stephen.Hall about the studentship programme.

The studentship is available from 01 April 2023 for a period of three and half years, subject to satisfactory progress and includes a tax exempt stipend, which is currently £17,668 per annum. 

In addition, full-time tuition fees will be covered for up to three years. 

Applicants should possess a minimum 2:1 in Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related discipline. An MSc degree in a related discipline would be considered an advantage but it is not essential.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2223-JAN-FET18. 

Supporting documentation: You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References: You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 08 January 2023.

Interviews will take place on weeks commencing 20 February 2023. If you have not heard from us by February, we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.