Summer Research Internships

Are you interested in gaining first-hand experience of the research environment in fluid dynamics at the University of Leeds? Would you like to explore this opportunity to help you make an informed decision about progressing to postgraduate research? Would you like to develop knowledge, skills and experience to strengthen your application for research degree opportunities?

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Future Fluid Dynamics, hosts an annual internship programme throughout summer. This opportunity is designed to enhance access to postgraduate research for individuals from under represented groups, supporting a more diverse and inclusive research community.

The programme allows prospective postgraduate researchers to gain first-hand experience of the research environment in fluid dynamics at the University of Leeds. This experience will assist them to help informed decisions around progression to PGR and to develop relevant knowledge, skills and experience that can strengthen their applications to research degree opportunities. The centre provides advanced training and research opportunities in the field of fluid dynamics, with the aim of equipping future academics and industry practitioners with the interdisciplinary skills required to tackle complex fluid-related challenges across a range of industrial and scientific sectors. Research areas are Engineering and Physical Sciences, Environment, Biological Sciences, or Medicine and Health.

If your application is successful, you will undertake a paid, independent research project supervised by academics at the University of Leeds. These projects take place over 210 hours worked over a period of 6 to 8 weeks.

Call for Applications - 2026 intake now closed.

Example projects:

1. Atmospheric water harvesting in plants
2. Building reliable meshes for vascular flow simulation using a machine learning method
3. Development & validation of a 3D-printed cardiovascular flow system
4. Developing a custom drone wind estimator based on drone kinematics
5. Gravitational fractional separation of microbubbles in 3D printed microfluidic devices
6. Hydrogen pre-ignition induced by lubricant droplet
7. Modelling flow and particle interaction in binder jetting additive manufacturing

Timeline - 2027 call (estimated)

• March: recruitment call for applications opens
• April: closing date for applications
• May: interviews
• July-August: projects will take place

Eligibility

• Qualification
  • Open to graduates or current second- or third-year undergraduates eligible for the Home (UK) fee-rate at postgraduate research (PGR) only; unfortunately, this opportunity is not available to international students.

and

• Widening Participation
  • Applications are open to those who have not undertaken a research internship previously and
  • Meet one or more of the following criteria:
    • The first in their family to go to university
    • From Black, Asian or other minoritised ethnic groups
    • Neurodivergent (e.g. ASD, ADHD) and/or Disability (e.g. physical impairments, mental health condition, learning difficulties, chronic illness)
    • Are female
    • Have caring responsibilities
    • Have been outside of education for 5 or more years
    • Studying/studied at a university that is not a member of the Russell Group

Available Funding

• • • Stipend for students
    • Consumables costs for experiments (up to £1000 per project)

Duration

Student can work up to 210 hours (6 weeks full-time equivalent) which can be worked flexibly over a maximum of 3 months over summer.

 

Any queries please reach out to: [email protected]