Over 30 AWE sponsored postgraduate students gathered at the Materials Student Conference 2022 – held recently at Pembroke College, University of Oxford – to present their work, research and achievements in materials science.
The students, who came from universities across the UK, gave oral presentations and poster sessions on areas of particular interest to AWE’s current and future programme.
Topics discussed and debated included materials characterisation, modelling, actinides, composites, metallics and polymers.
AWE Head of Materials & Analytical Science, Marina Dawes, said: “MAS is fundamentally about understanding and analysing how materials behave in often extreme conditions – to help us underwrite the UK’s nuclear deterrent safely and securely.
“Working at AWE gives you access to exceptional cutting-edge technologies and facilities that no ordinary company can provide. There are lots of exciting and rewarding career opportunities – there’s really never been a better time to be part of AWE.”
Partnering and collaboration are important aspects of AWE’s outreach activities with UK academia and industry, in which technical projects are supported to deliver mutual benefit in STEM.
Recently appointed William Penney Fellow, Professor Tom Scott, from the University of Bristol, said: “A nuclear deterrent is very important and AWE’s role in maintaining it is central. AWE has excellent people, with an enormous range of skills and expertise, and it is those people who keep our country safe.
“My message to you – the students – is aim to be the best you can be; help those around you to achieve; and be inspired by those around you and try to inspire in return – to keep our deterrent secure for years to come. I can honestly say that working with AWE is a privilege.”
There was also a prize-giving ceremony hosted by Nicky Davies, Master of The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers. The winner for Best Presentation was Natasha Ormerod, from the University of Reading, on her work in new metal-oxide materials for thermal battery insulation. The winner for Best Poster was Thomas Moore, from the University of Leeds, on his work in controlling the structure of metal and polymer foams using advanced templating approaches.
Nicky said: “I am delighted to be here representing the Armourers and Brasiers’ Company. I am very proud of our partnership with AWE in materials science, which began in 2008. This year, we are celebrating our 700th anniversary – an ideal time to reflect on our rich history and to focus on an exciting future.”
In closing, AWE Head of Outreach, Professor Norman Godfrey, said: “Thank you to everyone for attending and congratulations to the prize winners. I would also like to thank the AWE graduates who represented our company and those involved in the organisation of this conference. It’s great to come together like this for the first time in two years since the pandemic and I know it’s been appreciated by you all.”
AWE looks forward to the next event.
Image: Delegation at the Materials Student Conference 2022