EDMX – Materials Science and Engineering

About the program
Materials very often set the bounds for what humanity can achieve. Materials Science and Engineering aims to push these boundaries by investigating, understanding and engineering the relations that exist between synthesis and processing, microstructure, properties, and the performance of all materials. The design of sustainable materials is key for a healthy ecosystem.
EDMX is a highly interdisciplinary doctoral program that spans across all classes of materials, computational and experimental work, as well as fundamental and applied research. What unifies us is our mutual interest in the relationship between composition, structure, function and processing of materials, and the drive to design the next generation of sustainable materials, in order to address some of society’s most pressing needs, such as contributing to more energy-efficient material production or designing sustainable materials that improve the material waste management. Similarly, the program’s research on materials and devices also aims to improve the well-being of patients or improve the consumer experience and safety.
Applying to EDMX
Applications can be submitted several times a year.
Deadlines: Submission prior to April 15 or December 15.
- Check out the guidelines on: eligibility criteria and application process
- The application process is fully online
- Visit the webpage to get an idea of ongoing research in Materials science and engineering at EPFL and see the PhD advisors linked to the doctoral program
- Take a virtual tour through our faculty and facilities
Further information on the EDOC admission criteria and application procedures visit the webpage.

Our graduate students perform cutting-edge experiments and simulations on magnetic nanomaterials by combining materials science and nanoengineering methodologies. To be at the forefront, they benefit from support by the individual lab and the outstanding shared-facility platforms and centers for nanotechnology, electron microscopy and high-performance computing at EPFL.
Research projects


The PhD journey has allowed me to expand my scientific and transversal skills — through experiments, interdisciplinary collaborations, tailored coursework and outreach activities.
Having completed my Master’s in Materials Science and Engineering at EPFL, continuing with a PhD here felt like a natural step. I appreciated the collaborative and friendly environment I experienced during my Master’s thesis in the Soft Materials Laboratory, where I now work as a PhD student. My PhD thesis is devoted to 3D printing of soft materials, the characterization of their structure and mechanical properties and exploring some potential real-world applications. The PhD journey has allowed me to expand my scientific and transversal skills — through successful and (many) failed experiments, interdisciplinary collaborations, tailored coursework and outreach activities where I learned to communicate science to diverse audiences. It’s a unique opportunity to grow both as a researcher and person.

I had many opportunities to learn, teach, and grow as a researcher, including whilst serving as the student representative for the doctoral program , a rewarding opportunity to give back to the community.
Manufacturing and materials science go hand-in-hand and my research looks at expanding our understanding of both. Through developing a new type of magnetically harnessed liquid metal deposition process, we are working on investigating the microstructure and solidification of aluminium alloys under magnetic fields. This research contributes to understanding of solidification in additive manufacturing and how magnetic fields may be used to control microstructure and therefore mechanical properties.
During my time at EPFL, I have had many opportunities to learn, teach, and grow as a researcher. Alongside this, I served as the student representative for the doctoral program of Materials Science and Engineering (EDMX), this was a really rewarding opportunity to give back to the community and learn about how EPFL works.
For applicants
Further information: how to apply, program details, testimonials
For PhD candidates
Practical information: what you need to know as an EDMX PhD student
People
Who is who: all you need to know about the EDMX community
Upcoming public defense
News highlights from EDMX
Contact
Program Director
Prof. Esther Amstad
Administration
Chrystelle Demierre, +41 21 693 6983
Anne Kolly, +41 21 693 2945
[email protected]
EPFL EDMX program
MXF 110 – Bâtiment MXF
CH-1015 Lausanne


