Established in 2019, the EPSRC CDT in P&O works towards meeting demands of prosthetic and orthotic users.


About the CDT

The EPSRC Centre of Doctoral Training (CDT) in Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) was established in 2019 to train up to a total of 60 individuals to a doctoral level over an 8-year period. This centre combines expertise from the University of Salford, Imperial College London, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Southampton, along with more than 25 global industry partners and national facilities.

The aim of this programme is to create a new generation of highly skilled researchers capable of providing a rare combination of clinical, medical and engineering skills that can be applied alongside manufactures and practitioners to accelerate developments within the field.

To address the skills gap in the UK and abroad, the CDT students come from a mix of backgrounds including: engineering, clinical practice (e.g. podiatry, orthotics), sports science, physics and biochemistry. The training provided allows students to develop a variety of skills applicable in the sector, an understanding of how a combination of interdisciplinary science and engineering research can improve quality of life on a global scale.

All students spend the first 6 months at the University of Salford, before returning to their host institution. Networking opportunities will be available in the months and years that follow, allowing the students reconnect; this includes biannual conferences hosted by the CDT students and summer schools based at one of the four universities.


This programme allows us to develop an appreciation for the different aspects surrounding P&O, and for each other’s PhD topics. This isn’t just a learning experience, it is also a fantastic networking opportunity.
It is a truly exciting experience.
— Kirstie Devin, University of Southampton 2019 CDT Student

find out more & get involved

For more information about the CDT, visit the CDT homepage.