Postgraduate research opportunities Experimental & numerical analysis of floating kelp farms for wave attenuation in offshore wind
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Wednesday 7 October 2026
- Deadline: Tuesday 15 December 2026
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 3 years
- Funding: Home fee, Stipend
Overview
Floating offshore wind faces a major challenge: large waves cut access windows and drive fatigue. This project explores a nature-based solution - using cultivated kelp farms as floating breakwaters. It combines wave tank testing at the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory, CFD modelling, and real field data from a kelp farm on the Isle of Mull, with co-funding from Nature Based Ltd.Eligibility
We are looking for you to have:
- a first-class or upper second-class (2:1) honours degree (or equivalent) in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline
- a strong interest in experimental and computational hydrodynamics
- excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with academic and industrial partners.
Proficiency in a high-level programming language (such as MATLAB, Python) is desirable.
Project Details
Floating offshore wind is key to the UK's net-zero future, but harsh sea states challenge its economic viability. Large waves reduce accessibility for operations and maintenance, accelerate fatigue on turbines and moorings, and increase downtime. Conventional breakwaters are too heavy and costly for offshore deployment. This PhD will investigate a nature-based solution: using large-scale cultivated kelp farms as floating breakwaters to protect offshore wind assets.
The research combines physical wave tank testing at the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory (KHL), numerical modelling (CFD), and analysis of real-world field data from a commercial kelp farm on the Isle of Mull. The project is co-funded by Nature Based Ltd. and includes a minimum 3-month placement with the industrial partner.
Key research questions
- How do kelp canopy length, submergence depth, and plant density affect wave attenuation?
- Can we optimise a kelp farm design to balance wave protection with kelp health and survivability?
- What is the potential of nature-based solutions to de-risk floating wind infrastructure?
Project activities
- conduct scaled physical model tests in the KHL wave tank
- develop and validate numerical models using state-of-the-art CFD
- analyse real-world field data from a commercial kelp farm on the Isle of Mull
- work directly with an industrial partner, Nature Based Ltd., including a placement with the company or its partners (ORE Catapult, Quoceant, SWMID)
Funding details
The studentship covers:
- Home (UK) tuition fees for three years
- an annual tax-free stipend at the standard UKRI rate:
- year 1: £21,805
- year 2: £22,377
- year 3: £22,965
- access to world-class experimental facilities at the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory
- a minimum 3-month placement with the industrial partner (Nature Based Ltd. or partners), gaining hands-on experience in offshore engineering and kelp farm operations
This studentship covers UK Home fees only. International applicants would be responsible for covering the difference between Home and International tuition fees (approximately £89,146 over three years). This fee difference must be covered through external funding, scholarships, sponsorship or other sources, and is not included in the studentship.
While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.
Supervisors
Dr Claudio Rodriguez Castillo
Experimental Officer
Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering
Apply
To apply, please email claudio.rodriguez-castillo@strath.ac.uk with the subject line: PhD Application: [Your Name]
Please attach a single PDF containing:
- a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- a one-page cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience
- your degree transcripts (interim or final)
Number of places: 1
To read how we process personal data, applicants can review our 'Privacy Notice for Student Applicants and Potential Applicants' on our Privacy notices' web page.