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The following projects are currently available for entry in October 2027, but please check back as this will be frequently updated:

1. The dynamical impact of aircraft on clouds and climate (Dr. Edward Gryspeerdt, Prof Oliver Buxton - Aeronautics). This project is part of the Brahmal Institute Doctoral Programme in Sustainable Aviation, with a deadline of 4th January 2027
2. A global tropical cyclone model (Prof. Ralf Toumi)

The deadline for applications is the 31st January 2027 unless otherwise stated.

You are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in advance of this deadline (emails can be found on the project advert). The supervisors can often provide further advice and information about the project. You should also speak to the supervisor if you would like to suggest a slightly different project.

The following space physics projects are currently available for entry in October 2027:

1. Investigating solar wind waves and turbulence for new multi-spacecraft missions (Dr. Lorenzo Matteini)
2. Exploring the diversity of solar wind-comet interaction (Prof. Marina Galand)
3. New observations of the solar cycle and its effects on space weather (Prof. Tim Horbury)

The application deadline for these projects is 31st January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors before applying, and inform the supervisor when an application has been submitted.

On the 31st January 2027 we will assess all applications received and begin the process of interviewing candidates, leading to offers by the spring. Applications will be accepted after 31st January 2027, but candidates may find that projects and PhD studentships are no longer available.

Research Project

Applicants may identify a project or two hereafter; if so, they should reach out to the project  supervisors before applying. It is also possible to apply more generally to Space Physics without identifying a given project.

Applicants, who would like to apply to a project in Plasma and to another one in Space Physics, should submit one application mentioning both projects. The Plasma and Space Physics groups belong to the same community, Space, Plasma & Climate (SPC).

Statement in application form

Applicants are expected to explain why they are interested in undertaking a PhD and which specific qualities they would bring.

Considering the project(s) applicants have applied to: applicants should feel free to extend beyond the advertised project(s) and provide a short research proposal

Source of funding

STFC studentships are available and expected to provide funding for these projects.. They are open to UK students, a limited number is also offered to international students. Their duration is 3.5 years. 

More information can be found at: 

Eligibility information on a range of funding routes can be found at: /study/fees-and-funding/

The following laboratory astrophysics project are available for entry in October 2027:

1. Atomic Physics and Plasma Spectroscopy of Astrophysically Important Elements (Prof. Juliet Pickering)

The application deadline for this project is 31st January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors before applying, and inform the supervisor when an application has been submitted.

On 31st January 2027 we will assess all applications received and begin the process of interviewing candidates, leading to offers by the spring. Applications will be accepted after 31st January 2027, but candidates may find that projects and PhD studentships are no longer available.

Statement in application form

Applicants are expected to explain why they are interested in undertaking a PhD and which specific qualities they would bring.

Considering the project(s) applicants have applied to: applicants should feel free to extend beyond the advertised project(s) and provide a short research proposal.

Source of funding

Eligibility information on a range of funding routes can be found at: /study/fees-and-funding/

The President's PhD Scholarship offers full tuition fees and a generous stipend for a PhD place at º£½ÇÉçÇø. Up to 50 students across the College are funded each year, with no restriction on nationality. However, it should be emphasised that this is an extremely competitive award, which is reserved for candidates of exceptional academic achievement, as well as demonstrated commitment to research. The Space and Atmospheric Physics group is proud to have hosted several President's PhD Scholars in recent years.

Successful candidates are typically one of the top students in their graduating cohort, have experience of research, and often have authored or co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles as an undergraduate. 

The first step in the process is to make contact with a prospective supervisor. We are very happy to support competitive applications - if you are interested in working with a particular academic, please contact them directly, . If one of the projects listed on this page is of particular interest, please do let us know.

The group is limted in the number of candidates that it can support. We therefore encourage you to make early contact with prospective supervisors.

We welcome applicants for visiting PhD students on the China Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship. Any research topic of your choice related to tropical cyclones will be considered. You will be joining the largest tropical cyclone research team in Europe, gaining unique experience of studying at Imperiaand living in London. Other benefits are: 

An extra allowance on top of the CSC stipend  
Expenses to attend an international conference during your stay to present your research of this scholarship  
No bench fee
We also welcome applications from tropical cyclone research staff on a topic of their choice applying for CSC visiting positions.

Please send your CV to Professor Ralf Toumi: r.toumi@imperial.ac.uk