The idiosyncrasies of wool and how developments in agriculture can support its use in yarns and fabrics for textiles and composites.

Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • Department for the Economy (DfE)
    • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

With approximately 7 million sheep across Ireland and 55,000 sheep farmers, wool is often undervalued, viewed as a waste commodity. However, wool has cultural weight and holds transformative potential as a sustainable material for textiles, composites, and agricultural by-products, supporting eco-friendly practices and reducing reliance on synthetic materials.

Northern Ireland’s rich tradition of sheep farming, particularly in areas like the Mourne Mountains and Glens of Antrim, provides a strong foundation for design innovation. Developing new uses for wool could generate significant economic benefits, creating revenue streams in textiles, insulation, and biodegradable products. Moreover, wool’s natural properties—biodegradability, moisture-wicking, temperature regulation, and fire resistance—make it ideal for advanced applications in sportswear, healthcare, and industrial materials.

This research will initially explore sheep breed production of varying grades of wool through core tests and applications. Comparative analysis of wool-producing and shedding breeds will assess suitability for diverse applications. Insights into carbon sequestration potential will highlight environmental aspects of wool farming.

Northern Ireland’s textile heritage, from tweed to artisanal crafts, may be identified and matched to the correct breeds, preserving traditional skills while fostering global market opportunities.

Investigating advanced treatments, blends, and uses for wool could also unlock applications in emerging sectors such as bioplastics and biomedical materials.

The proposal may identify a chosen focus and the proposed methodology may include technical research, theory and practice. In addition to technological and design innovation, the doctoral workplan should develop policy recommendations to support farmers, enhance rural development, create a resilient wool-based economy and inform supply chain consumers/ end-users.

The research will address a gap in rigorous research on Ulster wool, offering insights into its sustainable and economic potential while aligning with global environmental goals. It aims to repositioning of wool as a valuable resource, to advance local industries and contribute to a sustainable future.

​​

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • Department for the Economy (DfE)
  • Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

Recommended reading

​Collie, S. et al. (2021). The role of wool in sustainability and textile applications. Animal Frontiers, 11(2), pp. 15-20. ​

​Gault, A. (2024). Exploring sustainable fibres from creation to application in the Ulster University Belfast campus textile roof garden. In Proceedings of The 8th International Symposium Technical Textiles Present and Future (pp. 150-157). Sciendo. ​

​BBC 4 Television series: The Fabric of Britain (Series of three documentaries exploring Britain's relationship with fabric, featuring knitting, needlework and wallpaper.) See episode 1&3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03bjfylhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdJ47xBwE1s

​​Kao, J., & Balescu, D. (2024). Eco-friendly processing of wool and sustainable valorization of this natural bioresource. Sustainability, 16(11), Article 4661. ​

​Kopytoff, I., (1986) The Cultural Biography of Things: Commoditization as Process. In: A. Appadurai, ed. The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 64-91.

​Patrucco, A., Zoccola, M., & Anceschi, A. (2024). Exploring the potential applications of wool fibers in composite materials: A review. Polymers, 16(16), Article 2360.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 24 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
25 + 28 March 2025, 1 + 8 April 2025

Preferred student start date
15 September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Mrs Alison Gault

Other supervisors