The UROP is designed to support undergraduates studying at the University of Cambridge who are going to return for at least one more year of undergraduate study.

Final year undergraduates and postgraduate students should not apply.

Some projects with external funding have additional restrictions, such as those funded by EPSRC.

If you have any questions please contact Joe Goddard, Industrial Placements Coordinator, who administers UROP projects for the Department of Engineering.

Further information can be found below:

• Student click here.
• Staff click here.

Available Projects

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Piezoelectric-Robot Control Software for High-Throughput 2D Material Discovery 

The unique chemical, mechanical, and optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials offer innovation opportunities in fields ranging from electronics to sensing. Thousands of 2D materials have been predicted, but few new materials are realised, and hardly any can be manufactured at industrial scales with sufficient control. Current lab-scale fabrication equipment is orders of magnitude larger than necessary, slowing 2D material discovery to months if not years. The aim of this UROP project is to develop closed-loop control software for piezoelectric robotic arms, facilitating a new, radically miniaturised platform to make and manipulate atomically thin 2D materials inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM). 

Figure 1: a) Overview of miniaturised Hofmann Group in-SEM fabrication system. b) Project aim is closed-loop control of this robotic arm to facilitate c) high-throughput studies of 2D-material growth. d) Robot control would be an add-on to the current custom SEM control software (Python-based). 

The Hofmann Group https://hofmann-group.eng.cam.ac.uk/publications/">currently grows atomically thin materials in an SEM using precursor chemicals introduced through a quartz capillary that is held by a robotic arm (Figure 1a). Electron microscopes rely on electrons rather than photons for imaging, enabling far higher imaging resolutions than in optical microscopy. 2D material features as small as 20 nm may, therefore, be resolved and studied in real-time, providing valuable information about the type and rate of material growth under different fabrication conditions. The broader research aim beyond the UROP project is to expedite these studies by augmenting custom software (Figure 1d) to control a piezoelectric robot arm (Figure 1b). Material could then be grown at different points on a substrate, changing the fabrication conditions between each experiment (Figure 1c). 

Over eight weeks, the candidate will: 

• Familiarise themself with the Pythonic control of the robot arm and using the SEM
• Add a feature to the custom SEM graphical user interface (GUI) to store a template image of the precursor-supply capillary
• Use image template matching to track the capillary as the robot arm moves 
• Determine when the capillary has contacted the substrate by monitoring for sudden changes in the capillary position as the substrate is raised (via motion-stage)
• Use inverse kinematics to move the capillary parallel to the substrate in a pattern conducive to the high-throughput experiment platform depicted in Figure 1c
• Be fully embedded in state-of-the art research (work likely to lead to journal publication)  
• Learn about ongoing projects across West Cambridge and attend journal clubs (embedded in doctoral training centre: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk) 
• Experienced users will train the student in using both the SEM and the robotic arm, meeting with the candidate daily at the start of the project and adjusting as the project progresses

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Experience with Python, NumPy and Pandas in particular. Custom Python-based software for the SEM has been developed, and the robot control system would be an add-on to this interface. 
• Familiarity with coding closed-loop control algorithms, data preprocessing, and hardware-software integration (e.g. from an Arduino project). 
• Eagerness to work in an interdisciplinary environment. The project will focus on software development, but the broader context involves electron microscopy, nanomaterial growth, and rapid prototyping. 

Skills and attributes that would be advantageous

• It would be particularly valuable if the candidate were familiar with Git, image recognition techniques, forward and inverse kinematics, Linux, or serial communications. 

Timing

Application closing date: 17th April 2026. 

The project start date is flexible but ideally would begin in early July. 

Supporting Information 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-025-00875-9">A recent example of 2D material growth using capillaries in the SEM. 

Broader context: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42254-025-00875-9">problems in 2D-material growth. 

Link to Hofmann group: hofmann-group.eng.cam.ac.uk

Link to NanoDTC: www.nanodtc.cam.ac.uk 

Application Details

Please email Prof Stephan Hofmann, sh315@cam.ac.uk, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: 17^th April 2026.

 

Understanding future critical mineral demand for energy, aerospace, AI and defence

Primary Supervisor Details 

Dr André Cabrera Serrenho

Department of Engineering

ag806@cam.ac.uk">mailto:ag806@cam.ac.uk">ag806@cam.ac.uk

Co-Supervisors / Industrial Collaborators

Dr Sam Stephenson

Department of Engineering

sds70@cam.ac.uk">mailto:sds70@cam.ac.uk">sds70@cam.ac.uk

Dr Philip Mitchell

Department of Engineering

pmm73@cam.ac.uk">mailto:pmm73@cam.ac.uk">pmm73@cam.ac.uk

Project Description

Demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements is expected to grow rapidly over the coming decades. Much of this growth is driven by clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels. While these sectors are relatively well studiedhttps://universityofcambridgecloud-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jgg44_cam_..." name="_ftnref1" title="">[1]https://universityofcambridgecloud-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jgg44_cam_..." name="_ftnref2" title="">[2], far less is known about how demand for critical minerals could grow in other fast growing technologies, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors, defence and aerospace systems, and industrial equipment.

This project builds on ongoing research developed as part of the Climate Compatible Growth research programme. Our research team has already compiled a database that links different technologies (such as batteries and renewable energy systems) to the critical minerals they contain. The goal of this project is to expand that database to new sectors, helping researchers better understand how future technology trends could shape global mineral demand.

The Climate Compatible Growth research programme is a flagship programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office that seeks to support economic growth in the global south through climate action. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with a team of international researchers driven to make a tangible and meaningful contribution to the twin problems of climate change and economic development.

The successful student will work closely with the research team and will be responsible for:

• Identifying sectors and technologies that are likely to have critical minerals embodied in them.
• Conduct an analysis of literature, reports and other databases to understand how much critical minerals are embodied in each technology. The students will then form part of the decision making team to prioritise which technologies and minerals to focus on in future research.
• Using their newfound knowledge to help the research team develop new scenarios for technology development. This may include collecting data to help inform the scenarios for example GDP, government defence spending, ai capital investment, which could all be used to model future changes in demand.
• Support the research team to implement new data and scenarios into existing models.
• Produce a report setting out which sectors are likely to contribute to future critical mineral demand growth, the important minerals in each sector and how each sector might grow or evolve in the future.

This internship offers a hands-on introduction to applied research at the intersection of technology, sustainability and policy. The student will make a meaningful contribution to research with real world relevance and will gain experience working with researchers studying the entire critical mineral supply chain. It is well suited to undergraduate students with an interest in sustainability, engineering, economics, data analysis or related fields.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Desk based research skills, including the ability to review academic, business and other technical documents and extract relevant information
• Knowledge of critical minerals and their use in manufacturing
• Ability to work independently

Skills and attributes that would be advantageous

• Experience coding in python
• Detailed understanding on one or more of the key sectors for critical minerals (ai and semi-conductors, defence, aerospace)
• Understanding of economic data and how it can be correlated with other activities

Timing

8 weeks over the summer, with exact dates flexible and to be agreed with the student.

Supporting Information 

Please see links to the research group (www.ccml.org.uk/">https://www.ccml.org.uk/">CCML) and wider research project (https://climatecompatiblegrowth.com/">climate compatible growth).

Application Details

Please email Dr André Cabrera Serrenho, ag806@cam.ac.uk, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: 20^th April 2026

Dynamically Modulating Piezoelectric Catalytic Systems with Acoustics for Improved Hydrogen Production

Primary Supervisor Details 

Dr Tzia Ming Onn

Dept of Engineering

tmo32@cam.ac.uk

Project Description

Catalyst resonance is an emerging concept in heterogeneous catalysis that focuses on tuning catalysts’ properties using a time-dependent stimulus to enhance reaction rates and selectivity. Rather than relying on static energy inputs with heat, light, or electricity, this approach seeks to manipulate surfaces or reaction conditions dynamically at high frequencies. The overall goal is to modulate key rate-limiting steps in reactions, which could be either adsorption, surface reaction, or desorption of reactants, to heavily favour the equilibrium direction of the reaction of interest. 

This project will explore acoustic waves to dynamically modulate piezoelectric catalytic systems to improve hydrogen production. At the core of this work is the interaction between piezoelectric materials, mechanical vibrations, and catalytic reactions. Piezoelectric materials generate electric polarization when subjected to mechanical stress. When acoustic waves are applied to such materials, they undergo periodic deformation, producing oscillating electric fields on their surfaces. These dynamic electric fields, based on our working hypothesis, should be able to influence the rate limiting steps (adsorption, activation, and desorption), directly affecting catalytic performance.

In theory, catalyst resonance occurs when the frequency of external modulation matches or complements the intrinsic timescales of the rate limiting steps. These timescales typically lie in the micro- to nanosecond range, which current thermal and electrochemical methods cannot match in terms of energy input delivery. Acoustics may be one of the only few ways that can achieve such an energy input at this rapid time scale. We intend to explore hydrogen-producing reactions, such as methanol decomposition (model reaction), where the rate limiting step at low temperature is the desorption of carbon monoxide from the surface. By applying acoustic waves at resonant frequencies, it is possible to synchronize the surface excitation and local charge transfer to enhance individual elementary steps. 

For methanol decomposition, static systems (thermal/photo/electrochemical) have limited ability to adapt to different kinetic requirements of individual reaction steps. As a result, each material settles on an equilibrium value or their respective maximum value. In contrast, dynamically driven catalysts can periodically alter their electronic structure to transition between different states for different roles of each reaction steps. For instance, strong surface binding can enhance methanol adsorption and initial dehydrogenation, while weaker binding is more favourable for the desorption of hydrogen and carbon monoxide products. Through acoustics, these states can be synchronized by changing amplitudes/frequencies/wave patterns with intrinsic reaction timescales, facilitating more efficient bond breaking and product release. As a result, acoustics-promoted catalysts should be able reduce kinetic bottlenecks, suppress surface poisoning, and improve the overall catalytic performance.

Another important benefit is enhanced mass transfer. Acoustic waves can generate localized turbulence near the catalyst surface, improving reactant transport and preventing accumulation of unwanted species that hinder hydrogen release. This physical enhancement complements the electronic and structural effects induced by piezoelectric modulation.

This work will first explore zinc oxide (ZnO – store bought), a well-established piezoelectric material. Dopants such as metals may be introduced in small quantities (max: 1 wt. %) depending on preliminary results. With an already-established acoustic reactor connected to a gas analyser, this 8-week program will involve mostly material characterization, and performance testing. Challenges will include identifying optimal modulation parameters (frequencies/amplitudes/patterns) and understanding the complex coupling between mechanical, electrical, and chemical processes. Finally, from a career development perspective, this project will offer skillsets in hydrogen production, sustainable technologies, materials characterization, and catalyst performance evaluation. Successful completion of this work will open opportunities to develop layered materials through thin-film deposition, equipping the applicant with highly transferable manufacturing/characterization skills for diverse career prospects in the arena of sustainability. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Experience with a material testing and performance/data analyses.
• Works well in team settings and values diverse perspectives.
• Some experience or knowledge with acoustics.

• Experience with gas chromatography or deep knowledge of gas analysers.
• Some knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis.

Timing

8 weeks (flexible with starting week of summer but must be 8 weeks minimum)

Supporting Information 

Website of our research group: https://onnlab.eng.cam.ac.uk/home

Relevant paper: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscatal.5c07014

Application Details 

Please email Dr Tzia Ming Onn, tmo32@cam.ac.uk, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: April 10th (Friday)

 

Supercomputing Finite Element Models with GPUs 

Prof Garth Wells, gnw20@cam.ac.uk 

Dr Chris Richardson, Earth Sciences, cnr12@cam.ac.uk 

Dr Joseph Dean, Engineering, jpd62@cam.ac.uk 

Project Description

Finite Element Analysis underpins much of the simulation of engineering models, from jet engines to nuclear fusion components. As models become more complex, the size of the simulation increases, and it is no longer possible to solve on a laptop or even a workstation. For the most challenging models, we need to use High Performance Computing (HPC) resources, such as the University of Cambridge CSD3 machine. The latest hardware on HPC systems is trending towards GPUs. GPUs are more energy efficient, and can perform a vast number of computations in parallel, however programming them is challenging. 

In this project, we will investigate some algorithms that can be used for high performance computation on GPUs, e.g. for finite element kernels, or for physical processes such as radiative heat transfer between surfaces. The student will have access to HPC computing resources, and powerful modern computational GPU devices to run their code.  

The project will support the development of high-demand, transferable skills, including GPU programming, computing for mathematical problems, software engineering, and using remote, high-performance computing systems.  

Strong programming skills in Python. Basic understanding of linear algebra, systems of equations. Know how to use revision control systems (git). Good communication skills, and ability to read and understand technical documentation. 

C++ programming, CAD. 

Timing

8 consecutive weeks during the months June-September.

See the FEniCS Project, https://fenicsproject.org and https://github.com/FEniCS

 

Integrated Photonics and Metasurfaces for Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions and Neutral Atoms

Primary Supervisor Details 

Dr. Amit Agrawal

Department of Engineering (Div B)

aka59@cam.ac.uk

Project Description

Quantum computing and quantum sensing with trapped ions and neutral atoms represent some of the most promising routes toward practical quantum technology. A central challenge in scaling these platforms is the delivery and control of laser light with high precision, stability, and complexity. These tasks are currently performed using large, expensive, and fragile free-space optical setups. This project involves designing, fabricating, and testing nanophotonic chips and metasurfaces capable of replacing bulky and sensitive optical tables with a miniaturised and robust chip-based system. 

The student will join an active research group working at the intersection of integrated photonics and quantum computing architectures. Over eight weeks, they will contribute to the development of scalable nanophotonic interfaces used for trapping and addressing neutral atoms and trapped ions used in next-generation quantum computers, atomic clocks and quantum sensors.

Design and Simulation: The project will include with computational design of photonic chip components and metasurface structures. The student will use simulation tools including Rigorous Coupled-Wave Analysis (RCWA) for metasurface design and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) methods for photonic waveguide and grating structures. They will learn how to set up simulation geometries, define material parameters, and interpret electromagnetic field outputs to build a library of metasurface elements. Inverse design techniques, where target optical functionalities are specified and algorithms search for optimal structures, will also be introduced, giving the student exposure to cutting-edge computational photonics methods for device optimisation. Data analysis and visualisation of simulation outputs will form an important component of this phase, building transferable skills in scientific computing.

The student will also be involved in the optical test laboratory to characterise fabricated photonic components. This will involve working with visible and near-infrared laser systems, optical fibres, free-space alignment, and photodetection equipment relevant to atomic physics wavelengths (e.g. 780 nm, 852 nm, 729 nm). The student will measure transmission efficiency and beam profiles, comparing experimental results directly against simulation predictions to benchmark and characterize the fabricated components. This hands-on experience with precision optical instrumentation is directly applicable to careers in both academic research and the photonics industry but will also give general experience on how to work in a lab with many different and sophisticated instruments.

There might also be potential scope to do some work in the cleanroom for material deposition and lithography although that is heavily dependent on access, timeline and the applicant’s own goals.

Skills and Career Development: By the end of the project, the student will have developed practical skills in electromagnetic simulation, optical lab work and scientific data analysis. This combination is highly valued across quantum technologies and photonics and in many other engineering disciplines. The project is well-suited to students with backgrounds in physics, electrical engineering, or materials science, and provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study or industry roles in the rapidly growing quantum technology sector.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

• Python – data analysis, OOP, any simulation experience (preferred, not necessary)
• Basic knowledge of optics/electromagnetics 
• Organised approach to lab work – especially important when working with lasers

Skills and attributes that would be advantageous

• Simulation work of any kind, Electromagnetics preferred
• Data analysis workflows using python
• Some optics experience (optical fiber use, lasers etc.)

Timing

8 weeks, dates flexible from the end of term June 2026.

Application Details 

Please email Dr. Amit Agrawal, aka59@cam.ac.uk,, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: April 17th, 2026

 

Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Rxperiment Revamp 

Primary Supervisor Details 

Simone Hochgreb

Engineering

sh372@cam.ac.uk 

Project Description

The Department is committed to revamping the Part I curriculum. As part of the change, Division A will be modifying a couple of the experimental setups to better fit with the reduced material, and to refresh the delivery and experience. Whereas the details of the task will depend on a few decisions that will be taken a little later in the term, we have already identified a potential pathway, which will revamp the heat transfer part of the experiment, and modify the inviscid flow task. This may include modifying the stations for forced convection, and adding some visualization to the conduction and flow experiments. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes 

The candidate should have an interest in fluid mechanics and heat transfer, some ability and skills with hands-on experimentation. Previous experience of undergraduate fluids and thermodynamics labs is useful. 

Timing  

The project will be delivered during 8 weeks during the summer. Timing is flexible, but ideally earlier rather than later in the term, in case some decisions change the project direction.   

Continuation Opportunities 

The project could possibly lead into a 4th-year further research extension.  

Supporting Information 

As a possible example, we would like to simplify and miniaturise a heat transfer experiment using a hot wire, using a small fan, and calibration for the flow rate measurement.  As a second example, we would like to use an IR calibrated camera to measure the temperature change across the interface of two materials.  

Application Details 

Please email Simone Hochgreb, sh372@cam.ac.uk, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: 20 March 2026 

Siemens-Energy Summer Research Opportunity Project 2026

Primary Supervisor Details

Andrew Wheeler

Whittle Laboratory

aw329@cam.ac.uk

Co-Supervisors / Industrial Collaborators

Roger Wells
Siemens Energy

Project Description

The project is an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of the energy transition, investigating the long-term shift from a system dominated by fossil fuels to one based on low-carbon sources. The project will make use of systems modelling approaches to investigate important technologies likely to affect the energy transition with a focus on climate impact, cost and security of supply.

The project will be based at the Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge, and last between 8-10 weeks (typically between July and October). The candidate will be expected to work closely with engineers at Siemens Energy during the project. Siemens Energy operates across the whole energy landscape; from conventional to renewable power, from grid technology to storage to electrifying complex industrial processes. With over 102,000 employees in four divisions, present in over 90 countries worldwide Siemens Energy technology provides ~ 1/6^th of the world’s electricity generation.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

The candidate will have an outstanding academic track record. The candidate will have knowledge of thermofluids and thermodynamics. Some experience of software and coding development is desirable. Relevant industrial experience is also desirable. The candidate will usually be a current undergraduate studying engineering or a relevant degree. Students at post-graduate level may also apply.

Timing

Applications open from now. Closing date 24^th April 2026.

The project start date can be flexible but will typically be in July. The project will last for up to 10 weeks.

Continuation Opportunities

It is possible for the project to lead to a 4^th year project.

Supporting Information

Further information about the Whittle Laboratory and Siemens Energy can be found at these links:

https://whittle.eng.cam.ac.uk/">whittle.eng.cam.ac.uk

www.siemens-energy.com/">http://www.siemens-energy.com/">siemens-energy.com

Application Details

Please email Prof. Andrew Wheeler, aw329@cam.ac.uk, with a copy of your CV along with a short statement in your email explaining why you are interested in this particular project.

Deadline for applications: 24^th April 2026