Apply Now: TEAGASC PhD Walsh Scholarship 2025 – Engineering the Fourth Dimension in Food Innovation
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 15, 2025
- 3 min read
If you are a highly motivated graduate eager to pioneer innovative research in mechanical engineering and food science, applications are now open for the prestigious TEAGASC PhD Walsh Scholarship 2025. This exciting PhD project, titled “Engineering the Fourth Dimension – Innovative 4D Food Printing Centre for Producing Healthy and Flavoursome Snacks of the Future”, offers a unique opportunity to join cutting-edge research in 4D food printing. Hosted jointly by Teagasc Food Research Centre (Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork) and Munster Technological University (MTU), this 4-year fellowship is supported by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
Host Institution: Munster Technological University (MTU)
Study Level: PhD
Target Group: Graduates with a first or upper second-class honours degree in engineering or a related discipline
Fields of Focus: Mechanical engineering, food engineering, additive manufacturing, robotics, and 4D food printing
Value & Funding:
Stipend of €25,000 per annum
University tuition fees up to €5,500 per annum
Duration: 4 years (starting June 2, 2025)
Application Deadline: 22 September 2025
Start Date: June 2025
Eligible to Apply: Graduates in engineering-related fields with strong research motivation and English proficiency
📚 Scholarship Overview
The 4D food printing project combines engineering, robotics, and food science to explore the next frontier in food innovation. Unlike traditional 3D food printing, 4D printing integrates time as a dimension, enabling snacks to transform in shape, texture, or flavour in response to external stimuli such as heat, humidity, or light.
Key elements of the project include:
Research on printer material storage, extrusion systems, and robotic programming.
Simulation modelling to predict snack outcomes based on formulations.
Development of a custom 4D printing centre with advanced modules: directed heat sources, temperature and humidity control, and vision systems for colour identification.
Contribution to goals such as personalized nutrition, reduced food waste, and enhanced food experiences.
The successful PhD candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team including other PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians, working under the supervision of Dr Michael Murphy and Patrick McGowan (MTU), and Dr Norah O’Shea and Dr Eimear Gallagher (Teagasc).
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
Fully funded 4-year PhD fellowship.
Annual €25,000 stipend plus coverage of university fees.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Teagasc Moorepark and MTU.
Opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary research environment.
Hands-on training in robotic programming, mechanical design, numerical modelling, simulation, and experimental testing.
Involvement in a project with significant industry relevance and global innovation potential.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, mechatronics, food, or materials engineering).
Be fluent in English (both spoken and written).
Demonstrate strong motivation for simulation, design, modelling, prototyping, and experimental research.
A full EU driving licence is considered an advantage.
📝 Application Procedure
Interested candidates should submit the following:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Covering letter detailing qualifications, research interests, and motivation
Contact details of at least two referees
📧 Submission Address:
Send applications via email to:
Dr Michael D. Murphy – michaeld.murphy@mtu.ie
Copy to: Dr Norah O’Shea – norah.oshea@teagasc.ie and Patrick McGowan – paddy.mcgowan@mtu.ie
📆 Application Deadline: 22 September 2025
ℹ️ Extra Information
The project is funded under Research Ireland Grant [22/FFP-P/11366].
Fellowship Reference Number: Walsh Fellowship 2023288.
The scholarship provides an excellent foundation for a career in academia, research, or the food technology industry, particularly in areas merging engineering, robotics, and food innovation.