Doctoral studies in Advances in Materials Engineering and Sustainable Energy

Presentation

Become a qualified researcher in the field of Materials Engineering and Sustainable Energy under the supervision of world-wide acknowledged scientists

This doctoral programme falls in the lines of European research and innovation policies depicted in the Lund Declaration, which underlines the needs for improving the cooperation in Europe at the different scientific levels and a risk-tolerant and trust-based approach in research funding entailing actions for necessary changes in the Communities’ Financial Regulation and Rules for participation and dissemination. Advanced materials are considered to be highly relevant for technological developments in all application fields within the VII Framework Programme and in further EU strategic research plans. This doctoral programme gathers key disciplines to achieve a greater synergy in research training and innovation. Promoting research and development and exploiting the interdisciplinarity of materials science and engineering will ultimately lead to an improved potential to open new business opportunities and production routings. Advanced materials and sustainable energy are key facilitating technologies. Advances in these technologies will provide a solid background for sustainable and inclusive growth in our country and the European Union.

The characterization of materials, the methods of design, and the computer simulation techniques included within the research topics of the programme are also essential for a better understanding and control of materials. Other relevant issues such as integration of materials and technologies in a sustainable environment are also included in this doctoral programme.

In order to promote research on innovative materials for advanced applications, set of the topics included in this doctoral programme was selected on the basis of a novel and more effective in the long term approach aimed at strengthening synergies and multidisciplinarity: Materials Engineering, Information and Communication Technologies, Energy, and care of the Environment. The proposal is also supported by other cross-cutting disciplines aimed at strengthening the synergies and improving innovation in the disciplines above mentioned.

Andalucia holds 18% of the national production in the ceramic sector, and Jaen represents some 50% of the sector production within Andalucia. Therefore, in addition to meeting research needs, this programme also aims at fulfilling the demands for research, innovation and development in our socio-economic context and will also comply with the University of Jaen strategy for promotion of research activities linked to its socio-economic environment. Taking into account the fabric of the local economy, which includes a relevant ceramic industry as well as technology centers in the research areas of the programme (INOVARCILLA, ANDALTEC, CTAP, ...) and the commitment to the environment , this programme meets the research, innovation and development strategy Jaen University committed to the support of research projects and programmes linked to its Research Institutes and Advanced Research Centers and the participation of the foundations involved. This doctoral programme is linked to the University of Jaen Advanced Research Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Global Change.

You may also take advantage of the complementary training programmes offered by the University of Jaen as well as the training activities associated to this doctoral programme, aimed at improving your personal and professional capabilities. The quality seal awarded to the University of Jaen by the European Commission "HR Excellence in Research” identifies universities and institutions that generate and support the existence of a stimulating and encouraging research environment. The University of Jaen supports the Recommendations of the European Commission containing the “European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for Recruitment of Researchers” and has a Code of Good Research Practices and a Guide to good research practices for Doctoral Programmes.

  • Training of researchers in order to achieve an updated and solid background in different industrial sectors like Materials Engineering and Energy.
  • Training in the capacity to manage and integrate complex information from different sources such as research articles, databases and other types of research documents.
  • Developing competencies in the application of experimental methods in engineering, particularly those in the topic of your choice.

You may check the complete list of competenciesgranted by this doctoral programme.

The ideal applicant profile for this doctoral programme is people like you, who are interested in developing research in the field of sustainability and new materials and taking advantages of the multiple opportunities offered by the sector. Applicants should be motivated for making new discoveries through research, and have the capacity for critical thinking, comprehension, interpretation and application of research results, as well as basic skills in computer tools and English language.

General access requirements for Doctoral Programmes at the University of Jaen

In general, access to an official doctoral programme is available to persons in possession of a Spanish official bachelor's degree, or equivalent, and a university master's degree.

Access is also available to persons who meet one of the following conditions:

  1. Being in possession of an official Spanish university qualification, or one of another member country of the European Higher Education Area, which qualifies them for access to a master's degree in accordance with the provisions of Article 16 of Royal Decree 1393/2007, of October 29, and having obtained a minimum of 300 ECTS credits in all official university studies, of which at least 60 must be at master's level.
  2. Being in possession of an official Spanish degree whose duration, according to the rules of Community law, is at least 300 ECTS credits. These graduates must attend the mandatory bridging courses referred to in Article 7.2 of these regulations, unless the curriculum of said degree includes research training credits equivalent in educational value to the research credits obtained in master’s degree courses.
  3. Being in possession of a university degree and, after obtaining a training place in the entrance test to specialized medical training, having obtained a positive evaluation in at least two years of training in a programme to obtain an official degree in one of the Health Science specialties.
  4. Being in possession of a degree obtained under a foreign education system, without need for official recognition, after the University has verified that said degree accredits a level of education equivalent to the Spanish official master´s degree and allows admission to doctoral studies in the country issuing the qualification. In no case shall this admission imply the official recognition of the original qualification held by the individual or its recognition for purposes other than access to doctoral studies. Regardless of this, the doctoral degree obtained will be officially valid in Spain.
  5. Being in possession of a Bachelor, Architect or Engineer degree and also having achieved the Diploma de Estudios Avanzados in accordance with the provisions of Royal Decree 778/1998, of April 30, or the research proficiency stipulated in the Royal Decree 185/1985, of January 23.
  6. Being in possession of another Spanish doctoral degree obtained under earlier university regulations.

Specific access requirements for Doctoral Studies in Advances in Materials Engineering and Sustainable Energy

In addition to having a bachelor´s degree, applicants must also have a master´s degree in the fields of Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or Geology (specially for those applicants willing to enroll in research topics 1, 2, 3 and 5) or Communication and Information Technology for applicants to research topic 4.

With exception, those applicants lacking previous training related to the aforementioned disciplines and meeting the general criteria for access to doctoral studies could also be admitted to this doctoral programme. In this case, the Academic Commission of the doctoral programme will determine the complementary training that the applicant must complete in order to be admitted by taking the recommended courses from related disciplines.

Admission criteria

Admission of students will be based on the general admission criteria for doctoral studies of the University of Jaen laid down in article 9.3.c of the Regulation for Doctoral Studies of the University of Jaen and the following specific admission criteria:

The adequacy of the applicant background giving access to doctoral studies to the research topics of the doctoral programme. 40%.

The applicant academic background and curriculum vitae (considering the relatedness of research activity to the research topic selected by applicant). 20%

Applicant´s research interests and commitment to the programme. 20%

Mentor commitment. 5%

Viability and academic/scientific interest of the doctoral project. 20%

Students may enroll in doctoral studies at full dedication, or part-time if duly justified. The maximum period of permanence in PhD studies will be 4 years full-time or 7 years part-time. Students may ask for an ordinary extension for one year if enrolled full-time or two years if enrolled part-time. After this, all students may ask for an extraordinary extension period of one year. Applications for the extensions provided for in current legislation are to be duly reasoned and will be resolved by the Academic Committee for the PhD programme. Students may also apply for a temporary leave for a maximum period of one year, and extendible to one further year. Students may be excluded from the programme if they do not renew enrolments or if they obtain two negative overall assessments consecutively in the training and research activities in which they are enrolled for that year.

Students with special needs may visit the University Special Education Needs Service. You may get more information on general issues related to doctoral studies at the University Academic Service and the Doctoral School.

Application for doctoral studies for the school year 2024-25 can be done through the Distrito Único Andaluz. All the information and links

are available through the University of Jaén Access and Enrollment.

There are two periods for application and registration during the year. Places not covered in one period wil be added to next period´s offer.

School Year 2024/2025

  • Ordinary application period (application open from days 2 to 30 of September 2024; admission and registration from October 1 to November 15, 2024)
  • Extraordinary application period (application open from days 7 to 21 of January 2025; admission and registration from January 22 to February 24, 2025)

The number of places offered is available though Offer of Places.

Yearly demand for places

If you are willing to apply for grants, please check the University International Relations website.

Collaborations under agreement

University Chair

  • Empresa: Universidad de Jaén Corvisa Productos asfálticos y aplicaciones S.L. (Grupo Isoluxcorsan)
  • Empresa San José S.A.
  • Colaboración en el Programa CENIM
  • Colaboración en el Programa IGME
  • Colaboración en el Programa GA21
  • Colaboración en el Programa Mipelsa
  • Colaboración en el Programa Centros Tecnológicos
  • Colaboración en el Programa Universidades Europeas Erasmus

Other Collaborations

UNIVERSIDAD DE JAÉN CORVISA PRODUCTOS ASFALTICOS Y APLICACIONES S.L. (GRUPO ISOLUXCORSAN). Companies San José S.A., CENIM, IGME, GA21, Mipelsa, etc. The University of Jaen has signed agreements with Technology Centers related to the main topics of this doctoral programme. In addition, 19 Erasmus agreements allow doctoral students from this programme to carry out part of their research activities in foreign universities.

Academic Information

The PhD is structured around lines of research that are developed by the programme's teaching staff who will supervise your research training. The person who supervises you will guide you through the programme's activities and may or may not coincide with the person who supervises you.

Supervision will be carried out by UJA staff. Supervision may be carried out by both UJA staff and external staff.

You can consult the procedure for assigning a tutor and thesis director.

Once you have formalised your registration, you will be able to access the Research Activities and Plan Registration Platform (RAPI) where you will find complementary material and information.

  1. Electrical Technology.

  2. Materials for sustainable construction.

  3. Development of new materials.

  4. Advanced techniques in soft computing and processing of sound and ultrasound signals. Application in materials engineering and environment.

  5. Management and protection of abiotic natural resources.

The research lines of the programme are supported by the research teams and research projects that make up the programme. The teams have sufficient materials and support available and have established numerous collaborations with research staff from other centres and institutions both nationally and internationally. The University of Jaén offers you a wide range of University Services related to Teaching and Research, Academic Management, and other Support Services for the University Community. Specific agreements can be established between the University of Jaén and other institutions for the mobility of teaching staff and doctoral students.

Research topic: Electrical Technology

Name ORCID code Affiliation
Jurado Melguizo, Francisco 0000-0001-8122-7415 UJA
Gómez González, Manuel 0000-0002-1960-6083 UJA
Ortega Armenteros, Manuel 0000-0002-1890-8549 UJA
Valverde Ibáñez, Manuel 0000-0002-1189-7672 UJA

Research topic: Materials for sustainable construction

Name ORCID code Affiliation
Corpas Iglesias, Fco. A 0000-0002-7502-909X UJA
Eliche Quesada, Dolores 0000-0003-3803-9595

UJA

Iglesias Godino, Fco. J 0000-0002-2917-3541 UJA
Carsí Cebrián, Manuel 0000-0001-8068-5385 CSIC
Suárez Guerra, Fernando 0000-0002-8834-104X UJA

Research topic: Development of new materials

Name ORCID code Affiliation
Ruano Mariño, Oscar 0000-0001-6368-986X CSIC
Martínez García,Carmen 0000-0002-5074-648X UJA
Cotes Palomino, Teresa 0000-0003-3255-8343 UJA
Peñalba Díaz, Félix EXTERNO
López García, Ana Belén 0000-0002-3776-4528 UJA

Research topic: Advanced techniques in soft computing and processing of sound and ultrasound signals. Application in materials engineering and environment

Name ORCID code Affiliation
Ruiz Reyes, Nicolás 0000-0003-4631-5326 UJA
Vera Candeas, Pedro 0000-0003-0866-703X UJA
García Galán,Sebastián 0000-0002-3300-5794 UJA
Martínez Muñoz, Damián 0000-0002-0953-5947 UJA
Cañada Bago, Joaquín 0000-0003-1626-8274 UJA
Fernández Prieto, Jose Ángel 0000-0002-6530-2902 UJA
Gadeo Martos, Manuel Ángel 0000-0002-2058-2904 UJA

Research topic: Management and protection of abiotic natural resources

Name ORCID code Affiliation
Luque Espinar, Juan Antonio 0000-0002-3808-9835 UGR
García-Aróstegui, José Luis 0000-0002-1659-8436 UM
Kohfahl, Claus 0000-0003-2756-4693 EXTERNO
Martínez López, Julián A. 0000-0001-6395-0263 UJA
De La Torre López, M. José 0000-0002-6134-6924 UJA
Hidalgo Estévez,M. Carmen 0000-0002-0982-786X UJA
Rey Arrans, Javier 0000-0001-9129-2368 UJA
Name ORCID code Affiliation
Kohfahl, Claus 0000-0003-2756-4693 CSIC
Martínez López, Julián A. 0000-0001-6395-0263 UJA
De La Torre López, M. José 0000-0002-6134-6924 UJA
Hidalgo Estévez,M. Carmen 0000-0002-0982-786X UJA
Rey Arrans, Javier 0000-0001-9129-2368 UJA
Sandoval Castaño, Senén EXTERNO

During the development of your research, the program provides you with access to different transversal training activities that will allow you to achieve the general and transversal skills that every person who holds a Doctorate degree from the University of Jaén must have.

In addition, the Doctorate Program in Advances in Sustainable Materials and Energy Engineering offers you a set of specific training activities, aimed at acquiring the program's own competencies.

Mandatory activities:

Optional training activities:

Also consult the schedule of training activities and how to register for activities and request aid to carry them out.

All general training activities are in Spanish. Some specific training activities may be in English.

Doctoral students must pass the annual evaluation by developing two types of training activities, mandatory activities and optional activities. Once enrolled, you will receive access to the platform to complete your PhD Activities Document and Research Plan. On this page you can find information regarding the PhD Activities Document and the Research Plan. You can also consult the procedure for controlling the registration of activities and the certification of data in the doctoral student's activities document.

Research staff in training will annually certify the completion of a minimum of two specific training activities, although the academic committee may favorably inform the activities document with a specific annual activity as long as it is adequately justified.

The program ends with the defense of the doctoral thesis. The thesis will have a minimum of two reports issued by doctoral experts in the subject, external to the university, who will be able to propose aspects for improvement. These experts may be part of the tribunal that evaluates the thesis. Depending on the content of said reports, the Academic Committee will give the doctoral student a period of time to respond and, where appropriate, include the pertinent modifications in the doctoral thesis before its deposit.

The doctoral thesis must comply with the established quality and originality criteria. In general, and respecting the ways of operating in the different branches of knowledge, it will be required that, during the process of preparing the doctoral thesis, the doctoral student has generated a relevant contribution, accredited in accordance with the criteria established by the National Commission for the Evaluation of Research Activity (CNEAI) in which the doctoral student appears as the first author. This relevant contribution may be in the evaluation process, may have been accepted or published by the corresponding publisher.

The thesis may be developed and, where appropriate, defended, in the usual languages ​​for scientific communication in its field of knowledge. If the doctoral thesis is written in a language other than Spanish, it will be accompanied by a document, endorsed by its director, containing the title, index, introduction, a significant summary and the conclusions of the thesis. doctoral thesis in Spanish.

Consult the procedures related to the procedures of your doctoral thesis as well as access to the RAPI platform. Consult the rules for the defense of your thesis that appear in the Regulations for Doctoral Studies of the University of Jaén.

In a context of globalization of information, business and society in general, extending your training experience to other universities is essential for the development of your resume. Carrying out stays of a minimum duration in foreign centers will allow you to obtain the International Mention in your doctoral degree. In addition to stays in national and international research centers related to the Program, with International Cotutelage you will be able to obtain a Doctorate degree from the University of Jaén and a foreign university. In this modality you will have a person who supervises your thesis at each university thanks to the specific agreement signed for this purpose. Doctoral students may also carry out their thesis in an industrial research or experimental development project, which will allow them to obtain the Industrial Mention in the doctoral degree.

In addition, here you can consult the different mobility aids that you can opt for during your doctoral studies.

Career Guidance

Internship Training in Companies

Consult the information from the Results Transfer Office (OTRI) and its calls in which you will find a multitude of opportunities to facilitate your incorporation into the world of work.

You can also find very helpful information on the Employment, Internship and Entrepreneurship Portal of the University of Jaén.

Career Prospects

Main job opportunities related to this programme:

  • Companies in the fields of Materials Engineering, Energy, and Industry in general.
  • Teaching at high school and higher education centers.
  • Applied research.
  • Entrepeneurship in the high-technology sector, research, and public and private institutions/centers.

Coordination and Quality

The academic committee is the collegiate body of direction and academic management of the degree, interacting directly with the students, organizing the teaching programming, the calendar and, in general, all the academic processes that allow optimal development of the teachings.

Composition of the Academic Committee of the Doctoral Program

Agreements adopted by the Academic Commission of the Doctoral Program

The Quality Assurance Commission of the Doctoral programme performs the function of promoting and facilitating the continued improvement of the different activities (teaching, research, transfer of results, administrative issues) concerning the title. It also analyses the academic results and the level of satisfaction the title and prepares the improvement plan that the Academic commission will then put in practice.

Composition

  • Presidency: Dr. Sebastián García Galán
  • Secretariat: Dra. Ana Belén López García
  • Vocal: Dr. Fº Javier Iglesias Godino (Sector PDI)
  • Vocal: D. Simón Fernández Rodríguez (Sector PTGAS)
  • Vocal: Dª. Ana Cecilia Revelo Rodríguez (Sector Student)

Agreements

Agreements adopted by the Doctorate Quality Assurance Commission.

Improvement plan

The quality assurance system of Jaen University has a two-tiered structure of responsibility. On one side, the corresponding Vice-Rectorate coordinates the quality evaluation process for the different titles, departments and university services and, on the other, the Academic Centre in charge of the title, which applies its Quality Assurance System. The Internal Quality Assurance System of this doctoral programme is available at the following link: Quality Assurance System of the Doctoral School.

All official degrees from the University of Jaén are subject to different evaluation processes carried out by the Agency for Scientific and University Quality of Andalusia (ACCUA). To access the evaluation reports for this degree related to the verification, modification, monitoring and renewal of accreditation, select it in the ACCUA degree evaluation reports application.

You can also consult and download the reports related to the title by clicking here.

Visit for the renewal of the degree accreditation (February 25 and 26, 2025)

In the scoreboard you can find relevant information about the program (academic supply and demand, training complements, results of the training program, students, academic staff and employability...).

You can also complete the information by accessing the quality indicators of the theses defended, the satisfaction results and the Doctorate section of the statistical yearbook of the University of Jaén.

Furthermore, in the Institutional Repository of Scientific Production (RUJA) you can consult all the doctoral theses defended at the University of Jaén.

Employability is one of the most important elements of the quality of the title. You can take a look at the University report on employability where you will find the most common professional careers of people who took this doctorate before you.