The UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has invested over £18 million in three Centres for Doctoral Training in Composites at the University of Bristol since 2009:

• 2019-2028: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Composites Science, Engineering and Manufacturing (CoSEM CDT) 
• 2014-2024: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Composites for Innovation and Science (ACCIS CDT) 
• 2009-2018: Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation & Science Doctoral Training Centre

The CoSEM CDT has evolved from the highly successful and established ACCIS CDT to address exciting doctoral training opportunities for multidisciplinary composite materials engineering and manufacture. It focuses on composite materials and manufacturing with the aim of delivering the next generation of composites research and technology leaders equipped with the skills to make an impact on society.

In recent times, composites have been replacing traditional materials at an unprecedented rate. Global growth in their use is expected to be rapid (5-10% annually). This growth is being driven by the need to lightweight structures for which 'lighter is better', e.g. aircraft, automotive car bodywork and wind blades; and by the benefits that composites offer to functionalise both materials and structures. The drivers for lightweighting are mainly material cost, fuel efficiency, reducing emissions contributing to climate change, but also for more purely engineering reasons such as improved operational performance and functionality.

The UK has invested heavily in supporting the science and technology of composite materials, for instance, through the establishment of the National Composites Centre, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Bristol. Collaborating with industrial partners and world-leading international expertise (see full list of project partners) our CDT will supply a highly skilled workforce and technical leadership to support the composites industry.