The School of Engineering and Informatics invites outstanding applicants to apply for the 2023 prestigious John Brian Roberts Engineering PhD Scholarship in the department of Engineering and Design. 

John Brian Roberts was a world-renowned Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex. He spent 30 years at the University specialising in the field of nonlinear random vibration, becoming Dean of Engineering in 1990, and a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University in 1997. His family left a generous legacy to provide funding for outstanding PhD scholars in Engineering. 

The John Brian Roberts scholarship will cover living expenses, training costs and academic fees for candidates from UK/EU countries and from non-EU countries. 

We invite applicants to propose their own research projects that closely align with work in one or more of the research groups in the Department, and/or with one of the research centres prominently represented within the Department. 

Our research groups and centres: 

While we particularly welcome proposals that build on Professor Roberts’ legacy in Engineering, when making funding decisions we will give equal consideration to proposals across the entire range of research within the Department. 

Eligible candidates will have an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree or equivalent qualification.

Open to candidates from both UK/EU countries and non-EU countries. 

The School of Engineering & Informatics values equality, diversity and inclusion. As a holder of an Athena Swan Award, we are committed to offering equal treatment and opportunities to our staff and student body. We welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in the sector and at the University of Sussex including but, not exclusive, to women, disabled and neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Apply online for a full time PhD in Engineering (SEP2023) using our step-by-step guide (http://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply). Here you will also find details of our entry requirements. 

Please clearly state on your application form that you are applying for the ‘John Brian Roberts Engineering PhD Scholarship’, and if you have identified a member of our faculty as your preferred supervisor (https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/tips-research-degrees/finding-supervisor) please also mention that on your application. 

You will need to decide on a research topic and write a research proposal (https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/phd/apply/tips-research-degrees/research-proposal) as part of your application.