Project Overview
| Opportunity | PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production |
| Host | University of Warwick |
| Location | Coventry, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded, stipend provided, tuition covered |
| Stipend | GBP 21,805 |
| Application Deadline | 28th February 2027 |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
About the Position
We are seeking a motivated and talented PhD student to work alongside our Digital Twins team within the Advanced Steel Research Centre at WMG, University of Warwick. Our Digital Twin team are developing a suite of models to deliver a through-process microstructural and mechanical property prediction framework for steel. By integrating these models into a cohesive digital twin architecture, the work will enable steel producers to rapidly predict and respond to live production conditions, supporting fast, intelligent decision-making to optimise process parameters, product performance, and operational efficiency. This PhD will focus on developing a specific Digital Twin for steel section production working with our industry partners.
Project Background
Rising energy prices, volatile raw material costs, and increasingly demanding mechanical property specifications have placed the steel industry under significant pressure to modernise its production methods. The UK steel industry is transitioning to using more, and potentially greater variability, scrap steel as feedstock, therefore digital twins are required to offer support in understanding the potential effects on processing and properties, and adopting appropriate control strategies. Current steel processing typically has very tightly controlled processes with little variability and control approaches optimised to minor changes. The combined challenges of cost competitiveness, quality assurance, and sustainability targets along with greater variations being introduced into the process mean that new approaches are required.
Project Description
To transition into an era of smart steel production, greater predictability is required, which can be gained by utilising the complementary strengths of empirical modelling, finite element analysis, and artificial intelligence. By combining these tools within a real-time digital twin framework, steel producers can access rapid, data-driven insights that support optimised process control, reduced reject and downgrade rates, and meaningful improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability across the production chain.
The Advanced Steel Research Group at WMG, University of Warwick, has developed a suite of models covering various stages of the steelmaking process. The aim of this project is to develop new insight in the application of a Digital Twin for steel section production. This will involve combining several existing models into a cohesive through-process framework, working closely with industry partners and real-world production data to create a model process route capable of optimising steel properties within the practical constraints of mill and production operations.
The scientific challenge will be to use the model and machine learning alongside live mill data (temperature, rolling loads etc) to reverse engineer the current microstructural state of the material and provide feedback on optimised next stage processing.
Given the computationally intensive nature of finite element modelling, the outputs of these models will be used to train a machine learning tool. This will enable rapid integration, feedback and process optimisation without the need to directly run the core finite element models at every step, making the framework suitable for deployment in fast-paced industrial environments.
The successful candidate will be responsible for defining the architecture, robustness and limitations of this combined modelling framework, as well as its implementation within an industrial setting. As such, the project will include a placement with the industrial partner, the timing and duration of which can be agreed in discussion with all parties.
Funding Information
DigitalMetals CDT.
Funding Details
- Funding for: UK Students, Self-funded Students
- Funding amount: GBP 21,805
- Hours: Full Time
- Placed On: 19th August 2026
- Closes: 28th February 2027
Contact and Application
For more information and to apply, please visit the University of Warwick website.
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 28th February 2027 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
About University of Warwick
University of Warwick is a public research university near Coventry, England, and a Russell Group member. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes across science, engineering, business, economics, humanities and social sciences. Its campus-based academic community connects teaching with research, professional development and collaboration with industry and international university partners.
Official website: https://warwick.ac.uk/
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: 28th February 2027. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips
- How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps
- UK Student Visa Application: CAS, Documents and Financial Evidence
Official Link
https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/study/research-degrees/
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production?
The application deadline is 28 February 2027 (28th February 2027). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. GBP 21,805.
Who is eligible to apply for PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production?
This listing is open to UK applicants only. If you are applying from outside the UK, this one will not accept your application — filter United Kingdom listings by residency before you spend time on it. Applications are assessed by University of Warwick.
How do I apply for PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production?
Applications for PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production are submitted directly to University of Warwick through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does PhD Studentship: Development of a Digital Twin for Smart Sustainable Steel Section Production offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.