Loughborough University

Developing Bio‑Inspired Adaptive Materials for Next‑Generation Neuromorphic Devices

Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom

Course overview

This project aims to design, study, and understand materials that mimic the behaviour of biological tissues, opening the door to electronics that can learn, adapt, and process information efficiently. Together, we aim to contribute to a new era of brain-inspired materials science. This research will explore materials that emulate biological functions such as adhesion cues and external signalling for stem cell maturation, alongside properties including ion transport, adaptive conductance, and dynamic switching.

Candidate systems may include a variety of novel materials, including memristive oxides, proton-conductive polymers, hydrogels, and other soft bio-inspired materials. The project will utilise biochemical and topographical cues to direct specific instructions to cells, enabling the formation of desired and bespoke living network systems. The goal is to identify and optimise materials suitable for integration into neuromorphic devices, aligned with platforms previously developed in projects such as NeuChip.eu and NeuroSYNC.

This project sits across Loughborough’s chemistry, materials, bioengineering, and electronics communities. You will work alongside researchers exploring nanomaterials, soft matter, and functional interfaces, and through close collaboration contribute to advances in unconventional computing. Prof Paul Roach (Main Supervisor) is an expert in biomaterials, biointerfaces, and bio-inspired functional systems, with extensive experience in soft materials and biological mimicry.

He works closely with Dr Eric Hill on developing new in vitro technologies, combining surface and materials chemistry with stem cell biology to fabricate living neural circuitry. Additional co-supervision from Dr Hill will provide further support in stem cell methodologies, alongside collaborations in materials science and neuromorphic device engineering that strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of the project. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

REF 2021

Key highlights

  • Design bio-inspired materials mimicking biological tissues for neuromorphic electronics
  • Explore memristive oxides, proton-conductive polymers, hydrogels and soft materials
  • Use biochemical and topographical cues to build bespoke living neural networks
  • Builds on platforms from projects such as NeuChip.eu and NeuroSYNC
  • Spans chemistry, materials, bioengineering and electronics research communities
  • Supervision combines biomaterials expertise with stem cell methodology support

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — 2:1

Scholarships

  • Alumni Bursary

    10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Alumni Discount

    UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.

  • Care Leaver's Scholarship

  • Excellence Scholarships

    UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary

    Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).

    Up to £12,000

  • London 10th Anniversary Award

    £5,000 off tuition fees.

    Up to £5,000

  • Loughborough Business School Scholarship

    £1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

  • MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship

    50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Qatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship

Careers this course leads to

  • Materials scientist
  • Postdoctoral research associate
  • Neuromorphic device engineer
  • Biomaterials research scientist
  • Bioelectronics engineer
  • University lecturer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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