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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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:

whittle.eng.cam.ac.uk

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