The final residential training week of year 1 ran 10-14 March. Cohort 1 PGRs enjoyed a week of thought-provoking training led by Centre staff, academics, and industry collaborators.
Day 1
Laura Cohen, former British Ceramic Confederation Chief Executive, and RAEng Visiting Professor at the University of Manchester and Henry Royce Institute, discussed how government policy and international events can impact materials science research. The session raised student awareness of the political and economic context of their research, and the need to be adaptable and resilient scientists.
Day 2
PGRs donned lab coats to spend a day of running experiments in the Royce laboratories. Led by Prof Nick Warren, the practical explored experimental design for polymer synthesis and introduced the more computationally–minded students to wet-lab experiments. The data generated was then analysed later in the week.
We wish to extend thanks to everyone who made this training session possible:
- Dr Jonathan Guild, The University of Sheffield
- Marian Castillo Bohorquez, The University of Manchester
- Prof Richard Bourne, University of Leeds
- Dr Brian Taylor, AstraZeneca
- Dr Lee Fielding, The University of Manchester
Day 3
Students learned about responsible research and innovation (RRI) from Dr Enzo Liotti. He explored the distinctions between debate and constructive dialogue in the context of materials science research, with the aim to train creative researchers who conduct research that is socially desirable. Prof Rachel Oliver then delivered a session on data-driven equality, diversity and inclusivity (EDI) in STEM. Rachel highlighted the gender discrepancy in grant funding awarded to male and female materials science researchers.
Day 4
Following a morning of data analysis, Dr Andrew Pollard and colleagues from NPL guided the cohort through an intensive session on metrology and the increasing importance of accurate measurement science in data-intensive research.
We wish to extend thanks to everyone at NPL who made this training session possible:
- Bartek Cieszynski
- Dr Joao Gregorio
- Dr Russell Miller
- Dr Marina Romanchicova
Day 5
Tom Hancocks had the cohort reflect on cohort training so far then discussed effective and memorable training techniques. This session aimed to prepare them for their future roles, as they start transitioning from learners to leaders, in training Materials 4.0 PGRs from the next cohort.
Dr Rob Lindsay and Tom Hancocks then discussed their proposal for a CDT green policy. PGRs considered steps the CDT could take to reduce carbon emissions related to Centre activities and their research. Key points included minimising travel and moving towards predominantly vegetarian catering at events. Minimising compute, writing efficient code, and the energy intensity of machine learning were also discussed at length.
