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Our research areas

Our research-active academic staff are available to supervise research projects in the following areas:

  • biomedical, molecular and analytical chemistry – the development of novel compounds and technologies for current and future challenges in biomedicine, health, prosperity, and the environment
  • materials and interfaces for the future – surface chemistry and catalysis, solid-state computational chemistry, and property modelling together with materials chemistry
  • soft matter – macromolecular chemistry, physical organic chemistry and surface chemistry.

Industrial collaboration is one of our key strengths, and our research groups have worked on projects with many major organisations.

Learn more about our research
Close-up of a crystal
Wildflower in Harris Gardens, the University of Reading.

NERC Climate System and Biodiversity Science CROCUS Doctoral Landscape Award (DLA)

Training a new generation of environmental scientists to become interdisciplinary experts with strong quantitative skills, creative thinkers, and leaders in sustainability and inclusivity. Such knowledge and skills are critical in delivering the ambitious Net Zero, adaptation and restoration plans adopted by governments and businesses worldwide.

 

Funded opportunities are available for 2025; details will be announced soon.

PhD opportunities

Find a PhD opportunity that aligns with your interests and career ambitions.

We want to ensure that your time spent with us is as rewarding as possible. To allow you to explore your various options, here's a list of some of our currently available PhD opportunities. 

We do, however, offer many more options, so please contact us for further information. You can propose your own project that aligns with our research. Find out more about how to apply for a PhD, and identify and contact a supervisor.
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Types of doctoral degree

We offer several routes to a doctoral qualification, so you can find the one that suits you and the topic you wish to study.
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Part-time study

Our Department offers both part-time and full-time PhDs, so you can choose a mode of study that suits your circumstances. 
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PhD by Distance

Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a different location.
Athena SWAN Silver Award