The Goldsmiths’ Company programme in precious metals research, which will be based at Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, will build on the University’s strengths in the study of materials. 

The first two students are expected to start in 2019, following a recruitment programme this autumn. The date marks the centenary of a founding gift from the Goldsmiths to establish the Goldsmiths’ Laboratory at Cambridge, in April 1919. The partnership between the University and the Company has long roots, with donations from the Company to support the development of metallurgical studies dating back to the beginning of the last century.

The pool of expertise available to the UK precious metals industry has reduced in recent years, with fewer younger technical experts coming in to the field, and the programme will help to grow capacity and contribute to the UK’s standing as a centre of excellence.

“The studentships will deliver new fundamental research in understanding alloys, and by enhancing Cambridge’s strengths will benefit the UK more broadly as a centre of excellence in this area”, said Professor Paul Midgley, Head of the Department of Material Sciences and Metallurgy.“We are delighted to have this opportunity to enable the most talented young researchers to further advance our understanding of precious metals.”

Details of the first two Goldsmiths' funded PhD studentships (for UK/EU students only) can be found here, alongside other available funded projects: Fully-funded PhD projects available.