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AUO

Revaluing Native British Wool: Design-Led, Place-Based Research into Fibre, Landscape and Circular Material Futures

AGH University of Science and Technology Research
✓ Fully Funded ⏰ Closing Soon sustainability circular economy materials science design heritage studies place-based research textiles wool

Explore place-based, design-led research to revalue Native British Wool by linking fibre, landscape and cultural contexts. Enable sustainable circular material futures grounded in local knowledge and creativity.

AI-generated overview

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Why This Research Matters

This research challenges conventional wool valuation metrics that oversimplify and undervalue native breeds, promoting a more holistic and equitable understanding. It supports sustainable rural economies, biodiversity preservation, and circular textile practices, fostering systems change in material culture.

Native British Wool Place-Based Research Circular Economy Textile Design Sustainability Heritage Studies

Project Description

This PhD investigates Native British Wool (NBW) as a place-based material system, connecting fibre performance with landscape, culture, and design practice. Traditionally, wool is valued based on: fibre fineness (micron count) However, this metric: ignores local context devalues many native British breeds disconnects materials from their origins This project challenges that system by exploring: alternative ways to value wool design-led methods to rethink material systems connections between ecology, culture, and production The research will explore: how geography, climate, and farming shape wool how cultural and heritage knowledge influences value how design can communicate material meaning beyond technical metrics Key research directions: textile and fibre performance experiments place-based storytelling and material narratives biodiversity and breed relationships traditional craft and heritage knowledge circular and regenerative design systems The PhD is flexible and practice-led, meaning: you shape the direction you can integrate creative, scientific, or hybrid methods Industry Collaboration Partner: The Wool Library Industry mentor: Zoe Fletcher Support includes: access to farmers and textile networks industry insights opportunities for: exhibitions workshops public engagement digital outputs Research Environment London College of Fashion Active Materials Lab Focus areas: Design + STEM innovation bio-inspired textiles circular systems sustainable materials research Requirements

Entry Requirements

Strong degree (2:1 or equivalent) in:
Design
Textiles
Materials Science
Fashion
or related field

Ideal Candidate:

interest in sustainability and circular design
experience in:
textile design
creative research
material experimentation
open to interdisciplinary work

How to Apply

Apply via University of the Arts London official website

Steps:

Visit application page
Review full PhD guidance
Submit online application

Typical documents required:

CV
Portfolio (VERY important for this PhD)
Personal statement / research proposal
Academic transcripts
References
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
Start Date: Not specified (typically Autumn 2026)

Eligibility

UK/Home
EU
International

Supervisor Profile

PV
Prof Veronika Kapsali
AGH University of Science and Technology, Research
Google Scholar

Professor Veronika Kapsali specializes in materials technology and design, with a focus on bio-inspired textiles and practice-led Design+STEM innovation. Her research advances textile systems and fosters interdisciplinary approaches linking science, technology, engineering and design. She leads projects that explore sustainable and innovative textile futures.