CEDAR, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicines and Development Manufacturing

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Key facts

  • Number of scholarships: 17 per year
  • Value: 4 years of home tuition fees, research & training expenses, stipend
  • Opens: 17 November 2025
  • Helps with: Internship work placement or project costs, Living costs, Tuition fees
  • Duration: 4 years with the first year dedicated entirely to training

Summary

CEDAR is an ambitious 8.5-year programme funded by a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) grant from UKRI, developed in collaboration with industry partners. CEDAR aims to develop the way that can help make medicines manufacturing more sustainable, resilient and human-centric. This ground-breaking programme is set to revolutionise the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by addressing critical skills needs within the industry.

The offered studentships cover home tuition fees, and research/training costs and provide a monthly stipend for 4 years. Eligible candidates for home fees include UK nationals, Irish nationals, applicants with settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

Please note there are only 3 fully funded studentships available for international candidates.

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Eligibility

  • applicants must have home fee status (UK or Irish nationals, EU with settled/pre-settled status, or indefinite leave to remain).
  • a minimum 2:1 honours degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline (or equivalent) is required
  • non-native English speakers need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no component below 5.5

Please note: we are not currently accepting International applications. This is due to UKRI regulations, which limit the number of awards available to International candidates. We anticipate that a future round of recruitment may include opportunities for International candidates, and will update this page with further information once details are confirmed.

Subject eligibility

Chemistry, Science

Levels eligibility

Postgraduate Research

Study modes eligibility

Full Time

Fee Status

England or N. Ireland or Rep. Ireland or Wales, Home (Scottish), International

Student type

Applicant

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Project details

We're seeking PhD candidates who are passionate about shaping the future of medicines manufacturing. While each student focuses on their individual project, you will also collaborate within a team to tackle a shared research challenge.

These research challenge teams (RCTs) consist of cross-disciplinary groups of students, academics, and industry partners. Designed to foster innovation and creativity, RCTs ensure a rich exchange of ideas and expertise. When applying, you'll be asked to select your project preference from one of three research challenges: nanomedicines, drug substance, or drug product to patient.

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Further information

What you’ll gain

  • Top research institutions
    Based at the University of Strathclyde, with opportunities at Leeds, Sheffield, and Imperial College London
  • World-class training and technologies
    Access to state-of-the-art processing and digital technologies, including AI, robotics, and augmented reality
  • Industry experience
    Gain hands-on experience through placements with leading pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda and UCB.
  • Global networking
    Present your research at international events and build connections across academia and industry

New to Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)?

No prior experience is needed. At CEDAR CDT, you'll receive comprehensive training in CPS, artificial intelligence, and automation; equipping you with the skills and confidence to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.

Shape the future of sustainable medicines manufacturing with a CEDAR PhD

In collaboration with leading industry partners, CMAC’s prestigious CEDAR programme trains future leaders to revolutionise sustainable medicines manufacturing. This is your chance to gain cutting-edge skills, work on impactful research, and accelerate your career in the pharmaceutical sector.

We offer fully funded, collaborative PhD studentships; primarily at the University of Strathclyde, with opportunities also at Leeds, Sheffield, and Imperial College. As part of a dynamic cohort, you’ll receive world-class multidisciplinary training, conduct high-impact research, and build a powerful network of peers and industry experts.

CEDAR researchers will explore how cyber-physical systems, including AI, robotics, and augmented reality, can transform pharma manufacturing to be more sustainable, resilient, and human-centric. You’ll work with top academic supervisors and benefit from industry mentoring and placements, ensuring your research is both innovative and relevant.

Join us in shaping the future of medicines development and delivery: faster, smarter, and greener.

Gain future-ready, multidisciplinary skills

Join a dynamic, cohort-based doctoral programme that blends digital, pharmaceutical, and engineering expertise. You'll develop the leadership, communication, and technical skills needed to tackle the complex challenges of sustainable medicine manufacturing.

During your first year, you will be trained by experts across each of the partner institutes during residential training weeks at the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Strathclyde, and Imperial College London. This training is then consolidated in the dynamic and collaborative CPS Living Lab Team projects, where you work with your peers to design and implement your own cyber-physical system for medicines manufacturing research. You'll gain systems-thinking skills and a deep understanding of the evolving medicines landscape, digital transformation, and sustainability; plus a strong foundation in transferable skills.

All training, travel, and placement costs are fully covered.

Our industry partners, including Takeda, AstraZeneca, Roche, Pfizer, and Ajinomoto, recognise the value of our programme: 

The demand for multidisciplinary talent is uniquely served by CMAC

Deliver innovative research

CEDAR research spans three key themes, driving innovation across the medicine development pipeline:

  • molecule to material: Design and manufacture of structured particles, including cutting-edge work in nanomedicines and crystallisation, supported by modelling and cyber-physical tools
  • particle to product: Transforming particles into optimal dosage forms by understanding how formulation and processing impact product performance and patient outcomes
  • product to patient: Evaluating drug delivery and efficacy using in vitro models and digital tools to predict clinical performance and reduce development risks

Develop a life-long network

CEDAR builds on a unique blend of multidisciplinary expertise from 40 supervisors across the four partner institutions. Find more information about the academic leads of our partners institutions below:  

Alongside CEDAR’s academic network, you will also gain valuable insights and support from our industry partners as your project progresses. The opportunities for collaboration with CMAC’s industry partners will help you create a life-long network with industry, which will benefit you far beyond your PhD studies.

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How to apply

To apply and see the current list of projects, please visit the CEDAR website.