SETU PhD Scholarship: Seaweed-Based Biofoams, Ireland

Summary

South East Technological University (SETU), Ireland, invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship on the development of seaweed-based biofoams as sustainable alternatives to expanded polystyrene (EPS) flotation materials used in marine applications. The research will combine materials science, biochemistry, environmental science, and circular bioeconomy principles to develop scalable, environmentally responsible flotation technologies.

The scholarship provides a €22,500 annual stipend, covers €5,750 per year in tuition fees, and provides €3,000 per year for research costs. The PhD is expected to commence in January 2027.

SETU PhD Scholarship: Seaweed-Based Biofoams for Sustainable Marine Flotation

Designation

PhD Researcher – Seaweed-Based Biofoams for Sustainable Marine Flotation

Research Area

• Sustainable biomaterials
• Biopolymers
• Seaweed-based materials
• Marine biofoams
• Materials science and engineering
• Environmental science
• Circular economy and circular bioeconomy
• Marine plastic pollution
• Environmental validation and ecotoxicity
• Sustainable marine infrastructure

Location

South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow, Ireland

Research Group: Organic Materials Valorisation & Biopolymers Research Group
Department/School: Applied Science

Eligibility/Qualification

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• An Honours Degree with a minimum 2:1 in Material Sciences, Materials Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
• Fundamental knowledge of biochemistry.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and scientific research methods.
• Experience in laboratory-based research through undergraduate projects or internships.
• An interest in sustainability, biomaterials, or circular bioeconomy research.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• MSc in Sustainability, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• Knowledge of biomaterial formulation and characterisation.
• Understanding of environmental impacts of materials.
• Experience in materials testing.
• Knowledge of microbial ecology or environmental microbiology.
• Basic statistical analysis or programming skills, such as R or Python.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary research teams.
• Scientific writing and literature-review skills.
• Experience presenting research findings through posters or oral presentations.
• Interest in science communication and stakeholder engagement.

Applicants whose first language is not English must meet SETU’s English language requirements and provide the required evidence with their application.

Job Description

The PhD project, titled “Development, Optimisation and Environmental Validation of Seaweed-Based Biofoams as Sustainable Alternatives to Polystyrene Flotation Materials,” aims to address the environmental problems associated with expanded polystyrene (EPS) used in marine flotation applications.

The researcher will develop and optimise novel seaweed-derived biofoams designed to provide the mechanical strength, durability, and buoyancy required for marine applications.

Key research activities will include:

• Formulation and optimisation of seaweed-based biofoams.
• Material characterisation and performance testing.
• Benchmarking biofoams against commercial flotation materials.
• Assessment of degradation under marine conditions.
• Evaluation of ecotoxicity and potential impacts on marine biodiversity.
• Scaling promising formulations to semi-pilot-scale flotation blocks.
• Deployment and validation of flotation blocks in operational marina environments.
• Collaboration with academic and industry partners.
• Life-cycle cost assessment of the developed technology.
• Comparison of production, deployment, maintenance, and end-of-life costs with conventional polystyrene systems.

The project aims to generate new knowledge in sustainable biomaterials and support the transition of marine infrastructure toward circular, low-impact materials, while reducing plastic pollution and developing commercially viable alternatives for the marine sector.

Scholarship Details

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form available through SETU’s website and quote the advert reference number SETU_CW_2026_01_SPONS.

All required supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the application. Applications must be submitted through the specified online application route.

For informal project-related queries, contact Dr Adriana Cunha Neves at adriana.cunhaneves@setu.ie.

For application and admission queries, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office at researchadmissions@setu.ie or +353 (0)51 302883.

University Website: South East Technological University (SETU)

Last Date for Apply

5 October 2026 at 4:00 PM Irish Time

Link