L-R: Alex McCann, Kevin Doty, Cristobel Soares,SME-DTN Project Manager with Stephanie King (University of Hertfordshire), Anthony Criscuolo (University of Surrey) and Callum Barnes (University of Kent).

Two doctoral researchers from the Materials Physics group at the University of Sussex joined a showcase event on 20 September at the Royal Institution in London.  Kevin Doty and Alex McCann joined fellow doctoral researchers from the Universities of Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire to present their research projects before a varied audience invited by SEPnet (South East Physics Network) and specifically including local SMEs who have partnered with the SEPnet Doctoral Training Network (DTN) to sponsor and support early researchers in both their academic and professional training.

Kevin is sponsored by Advanced Material Development and presented his project: Functional Nanomaterials Inks:  The development of scalable ink production processes for functional nanomaterials; Characterisation of printed films & functional nanomaterials and Integration of printed nanomaterials films within device structures.

Alex is sponsored jointly by Advanced Material Development and Rapiscan Systems Ltd and presented his project: Characterisation and crosslinking of graphene oxide towards explosive percolation in nanocomposites. This project is based on work previously published by the group.

The SEPnet DTN is the largest physics PhD training programme in England and participating postdoctoral researchers attend training events designed to develop skills and understanding in both research and commercial contexts, as well as committing to a busy programme of public engagement activities. Participating students also gain a wide network of contacts in local partner industries and universities.

Kevin said: “This meeting of doctoral researchers was fascinating. I enjoyed explaining my work to a wide group of individuals from very different companies and groups, but I particularly enjoyed networking and seeing my cohorts explain their projects.  I'm honoured and proud to have been included as a presenter at this showcase event, and excited for future training and collaboration with AMD, SEPnet, and SME-DTN.”

Alex said: “I am very grateful to SEPnet for giving me the opportunity to present my research at this event. It was a pleasure to not only speak in front of a varied and knowledgeable audience, but also to hear about the work of my fellow PhD students and engage with partners from academia and industry who were interested in my work. The training and networking opportunities afforded to me through the SME-DTN have been invaluable during my PhD so far and I look forward to continuing my work with AMD and Rapiscan Systems.”

Alan Dalton, Professor of Experimental Physics and leader of the Materials Physics group at Sussex said: “Working with SEPnet we were able to secure studentships for Alex and Kevin and benefit as a whole group from the external training and support which they have access to.  Our research is industry-funded and application-driven, so we both offer and need crossover skills for researchers who want to work with employers outside academia.”

SEPnet have added all the participants and their projects to their website, where details of all their activites can also be found.

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