The International Travel Scheme supports AAPS CDT Students research mobility for both individual training needs and research partnership development. In the CDT we offer support opportunities for short-term postgraduate research visits to support our students in enhancing their employability in the global recruitment market while enhancing our networks with international institutions.
Mac's visit to Penn State was a transformative experience. Whilst there Mac had the opportunity to work closely with leading experts in the field of ultrasound non-destructive evaluation (NDE) for battery characterization. This hands-on experience allowed him to deepen his understanding of advanced ultrasound techniques and their applications in sustainable energy research.
Beyond the lab, Mac immersed himself in the vibrant academic community at Penn State, attending seminars, workshops, and networking events. These interactions not only broadened his knowledge but also helped him build valuable connections with researchers and professionals from around the world. Mac's journey was also enriched by the cultural exchange, as he explored the local area, participated in university events, and experienced the diverse culture of Pennsylvania.
Overall, Mac's experience through the international travel scheme was a pivotal moment in his career, providing him with new skills, insights, and a global perspective on his research.
After visiting Chalmers University and KTH in Sweden during his MRes year, Thomas Barthelay was inspired to apply to the travel fund to stay for an extended period whilst working on his PhD project.
Despite initial challenges, including finding accommodation and adapting to a new environment, Thomas successfully collaborated with local researchers, learned new experimental techniques, and refined his computational models. He also immersed himself in Swedish culture, enjoying local traditions like “Fika” and attending the Materials for Tomorrow conference. His experience highlights the importance of flexibility in research and the value of international collaboration.
Lois Player's international travel provided her with a unique opportunity to broaden her academic horizons. During her six-week placement at Otto-von-Guericke University in Germany with Professor Ellen Matthies’ Environmental Psychology group, Lois engaged in cutting-edge research focused on understanding, predicting, and facilitating the public acceptability of environmental transport policies across different demographic groups.
Her research aims to identify the barriers to the acceptance of climate transport policies, such as Clean Air Zones and Liveable Neighbourhoods, and to develop strategies to overcome these barriers. By employing a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative, qualitative, and machine-learning techniques, Lois seeks to understand the factors that influence public support for these policies and how to encourage pro-environmental behaviour.
This experience not only enhanced her research skills but also allowed her to gain valuable insights into different academic cultures and methodologies. Lois's journey underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering professional growth.
During Johannes' research trip to the Polytechnic of Turin in Italy, he collaborated with a leading automotive research group to advance his work on Lithium-ion battery state of health (SoH) estimation. His research focused on developing a battery management system (BMS) algorithm that incorporates advanced Kalman filters for real-time SoH estimation, which is crucial for enhancing the performance and lifespan of batteries in electric vehicles (EVs).
The trip provided Johannes with practical insights into BMS and the application of online SoH estimation algorithms, using synthetic data from electrochemical degradation models. Beyond the lab, Johannes enjoyed the cultural richness of Turin, including a memorable trip to the Alps with fellow researchers. This experience not only deepened his technical expertise but also fostered valuable international collaborations.
Elisabetta undertook a research trip to RWTH Aachen University in Germany, where she conducted experiments on solid oxide fuel cells. Despite the logistical challenges of transporting delicate samples, Elisabetta successfully performed high-temperature densification of ceramic electrolytes. She also explored Aachen’s rich history, including its Roman roots and its significance as the residence of Charlemagne. Her journey included visits to local landmarks, enjoying traditional German cuisine, and experiencing the vibrant Christmas market. Elisabetta’s trip highlights the blend of rigorous scientific research and cultural immersion.
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15 December 2022
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14 December 2022
30 November 2022
13 October 2022
14 December 2021
17 December 2019
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