Category Archives: conference

17Jan/17

Student-led Conference: Functional scanning probe microscopy techniques 30-31 March 2017

Functional scanning probe microscopy techniques 30-31 March 2017

Who:  This is for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers from the SEPnet region with research interests in this year’s conference topics.  A limited number of places are available to early stage researchers beyond the region.

When:  30-31 March 2017.  Arrival in the evening on 29 March 2017.

Where:  Building 58, Murray Lecture Theatre Complex, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton SO17 1BJ.  Free to attend.  Single en suite accomodation at the Glen Ayre Complex. Travel expenses to and from the venue can be claimed through SEPnet.

Abstract deadline 16 December 2016:   Please email your submissions to hector.corte [at] npl.co.uk using the template here. Once your abstract has been accepted you will be notified by the conference organiser to register for this conference.

This workshop contributes 12 hours towards physics skills training.

Registration: The deadline to register is 28 February 2017.  Register here.

What:  There are two parallel research conferences proposed and organised by students wanting to advance their research and extend their collaborations. The conferences include talks by invited speakers and students as well as poster and recreational sessions.

Confirmed speakers:  Florence Marchi, Institute Néel; Ekaterina Selezneva, NPL, Charles Clifford, NPL; Sonia Antoranz Contera, Oxford University

Functional scanning probe microscopy techniques:  

The conference will be focused on sharing the different functional scanning probe microscopy techniques that PhD students use in their day-to-day. Because scanning probe microscopy is becoming a standard tool in many materials laboratories, it has seen a huge increase in the number of available techniques, with almost no time for training of new users.

Our aim is that each PhD student will be able to share their experience and at the same time will be able to learn from others. The objective is that every student attending the conference will learn at least one new technique relevant for their work.

The main topics will be general applications of atomic force microscopy (AFM), magnetic force microscopy, Kelvin microscopy, nanolithography, scanning tunneling microscopy, electrochemical AFM, force spectroscopy, and thermal AFM. Our aim is to transfer knowledge between users of the different techniques in order to make students aware of the available tools they can use in their research.

If your research involves scanning probe microscopy, then you are welcome to submit an abstract (~300 words) describing your work. Please indicate your preference for an oral presentation (15 minutes) or a poster (A1 size). Travel and accommodation expenses are fully covered by SEPnet and there is no registration fee. Please email your submissions to hector.corte [at] npl.co.uk using the template here.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Organisers: Héctor Corte-León (RHUL) Alex Browning (Surrey)

(The parellel session is “A Broadband Look at Astrophysical Processes “.  This meeting will take a broadband look at astrophysical processes across the electromagnetic spectrum.  By introducing different features of the electromagnetic spectrum in an astrophysical context, it will create a foundation for broadband study at different wavebands. Organisers: Peter Boorman, Bella Boulderstone and Chris Frohmaier  (Soton.)

17Jan/17

Student-led Conference: A Broadband Look at Astrophysical Processes 30-31 March 2017

A Broadband Look at Astrophysical Processes 30-31 March 2017

Who:  This is for postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers from the SEPnet region with research interests in this year’s conference topics.  A limited number of places are available to early stage researchers beyond the region.

When:  30-31 March 2017.  Arrival in the evening on 29 March 2017.

Where:  Building 58, Murray Lecture Theatre Complex, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton SO17 1BJ.   Free to attend.  Single en suite accomodation at the Glen Ayre Complex. Travel expenses to and from the venue can be claimed through SEPnet.

Abstract deadline 30 November 2016:  Submit your abstract here.  Once your abstract has been accepted you will be notified by the conference organiser to register for this conference.

Registration: The deadline to register is 28 February 2017.  Register here.

What:  There are two parallel research conferences proposed and organised by students wanting to advance their research and extend their collaborations. The conferences include talks by invited speakers and students as well as poster and recreational sessions.

A Broadband Look at Astrophysical Processes:

Astrophysics PhD students commonly start work at a particular waveband of the electromagnetic spectrum, sometimes without any prior knowledge of how their work fits into the ‘bigger picture’.  By introducing attendees to a broad collection of astrophysical research topics at multiple wavelengths, this conference aims to create a foundation to the wider context of students’ research.

This conference will feature seven sessions across the electromagnetic spectrum on: radio; infrared; optical; ultraviolet; X-ray; gamma ray and cosmology/big data.

We encourage abstract applications from PhD students and post-doctoral researchers for oral and poster presentations on any of the aforementioned topics.  Presentations should encompass how you use this topic in your astronomy-based research.  To submit your abstract, please go to https://sites.google.com/site/broadbandlook/home and fill out the form under ‘Abstract Submission for Students’.

Successful applicants will be notified by early January, who must then register for the conference via the registration link included above.

Organisers: Peter Boorman, Bella Boulderstone and Chris Frohmaier  (Soton)

(The parallel session is Functional scanning probe microscopy techniques. This meeting is for those interested in surface analysis and nanotechnology characterisation. Basic concepts and different techniques used by students working on a wide range of topics, from nanomaterials, soft matter, biomedicine, to polymers, surface analysis, and magnetism will be explored. Organisers: Héctor Corte-León (RHUL) Alex Browning (Surrey).)

This workshop contributes 12 hours towards physics skills training.

16Nov/16

Planetary Science School a great success!

23 SEPnet PGRs attended the 2-day planetary science school at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington, Middlesex. The school was led by senior researchers in the SEPnet region and comprised four sessions exploring different aspects of planetary science through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Thank you to the following contributors:  Dr Susanne Schwenzer, Frances Butcher and Jack Wright , Open University; Dr Rob Fear and Dr Catriona Jackman, University of Southampton; Dr Simon Green and Dr Stephen Lowry, University of Kent and Dr Setnam Shemar and Dr Tian-Hong Loh, NPL.

Joint winners of the poster competition were Paul Hallam, Queen Mary University of London: “Investigating the Depth of Gaps formed by Planets in Protoplanetary Discs” and Daniel Staab, Open University:  “The Dispersed Matter Planet Project”.  Both winners were awarded Amazon vouchers.  Chris Malliband, Open University , received a special mention for his poster:  “1:3m Mapping of a quadrangle on Mercury”.

Overall feedback was very positive and one PGR said the school was a “very interesting intro to planetary science as a whole”.

Thank you to NPL for hosting this event on behalf of GRADnet.

14Nov/16

SEPnet organises its 8th annual Students’ Expo on 23rd November at RSA House in London

The annual Students’ Expo provides an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their work through presentations and posters to over 150 employers, academic tutors and peers in a prestigious London venue.

The scheme grows from strength to strength. This year 85 students were successful in finding industry and research placements with a range of large and small companies and research organisations.

Students will exhibit their poster and give a one-minute presentation about their project. Prizes will be awarded for the best posters.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr Frances Saunders, former IOP President and Chief Executive of Dstl.

Students have the opportunity to network with employers and explore job prospects with recruiters.

For more information about SEPnet’s summer placement scheme email summerplacements@sepnet.ac.uk

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14Nov/16

REGISTER NOW – GRADnet Winter School – Free to attend

GRADnet Winter School 13-15 February 2017, Cumberland Lodge, Great Windsor Park, Berkshire SL4 2HP

This 3-day residential school will focus on the skills required for effective leadership and team-working.  The core activity will centre around a multi-media case simulation of the ill-fated Columbia Space Shuttle mission. In this mission, NASA engineers and leaders sought to understand the nature and threat associated with a technical problem that occurred on launch. Over the course of the mission, they analysed the damage, assessed the risks, and decided what to do. Leadership, organisational culture, communication, personality characteristics, formal systems and job positions are amongst many complex issues that affected the course of the decision-making process.

Workshop participants work in teams to analyse the simulation, using materials supplied by NASA. Each team takes the role of one of the key NASA managers or engineers, initially experiencing only those events that that person had at the time of the mission. This adds a rich dimension to the case experience as participants recognise how perceptions of the same event can vary.

See attached for further details and a draft timetable. Columbia’s Final Mission Winter School Timetable 2017 Draft

To see what happened at the last Winter School look here.

This is a free event and all reasonable travel expenses are covered by SEPnet.

Log on to the VRE and register here.  Registration deadline 13 January 2017.

Cristobel

Cristobel Soares-Smith

SEPnet Graduate Network Administrator

mailto:gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk

01483 682270

www.sepnet.ac.uk

 

 

01Nov/16

Register Now for Cosmology and Gravitation School 16-18 January 2017

Cosmology and Gravitation School 16-18 January 2017,  Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7PE

A 3-day workshop led by researchers from the Universities of Portsmouth, Southampton, Sussex, Hertfordshire and Surrey, comprises five pedagogic sessions exploring different aspects of cosmology and gravitation through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Register here.  Registration deadline is 2 December 2016

Theory Overview:  This session asks what we can expect to learn in the decade 2020-2030. It provides a context to explain how concrete measurements might get turned into knowledge about the underlying physics. It explains the framework used to interpret cosmological measurements. Topics covered include modified gravity, structure formation measurements, inflationary initial conditions and the cosmological constant problem.

Low Red Shift Universe:  This session spans supernovae, weak lensing  and large-scale structure

Gravitational waves:  The newly-emerging field of gravitational wave astronomy will be discussed in the context of detectors, sources and cosmology.

Universe of Galaxies:  This session will focus on how galaxies can be used to place constraints on cosmology, specifically the use of galaxies to measure dark energy through baryonic acoustic oscillations and supernovae, gravitational lensing to probe the distribution of dark matter, and ‘near field’ cosmology to explore the conditions of star formation in the early Universe.

Cosmic Microwave Background:  This session will cover the CMB power spectra, polarisation and B modes, and CMB lensing.

12Sep/16

SEPnet Sponsored Workshop in Big Data and Numerical Modelling and Simulation

Initiatives in Computing: Big Data and Numerical Modelling and Simulation

What SEPnet workshops for academic researchers
When 21st and 22nd September 2016
Where Cosener’s House, Abingdon, OX14 3JD
Who Those with interest in:

•      Big data in all areas of physics;

•      Numerical modelling and simulation in condensed matter.

Cost Accommodation and travel costs will be met by SEPnet.
Registration e-mail to gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk asap.

The aim of these parallel workshops is to explore opportunities for collaboration and the winning of research funding in computational science across SEPnet. The two workshops will take the form of joint plenary talks and break-out sessions with particular focus on:

  • Big Data in all areas of physics;
  • Numerical Modelling and Simulation for condensed matter science

Big Data: The forthcoming Alan Turing Institute (ATI) will be a focus for data intensive science in the southeast of England. Within SEPnet, several scientists have been working on university-wide initiatives in Big Data with some local resources committed for these endeavours. This workshop will bring together interested scientists from across SEPnet with a view to sharing ideas and exploring synergies and opportunities, especially in the astronomy and particle physics communities. It will cover academic research in the area of data intensive science, including developing links with the ATI and possible future funding routes through research councils and / or partnerships with business.

Numerical modelling: Strong pockets of expertise in numerical modelling and simulation for condensed matter science across a broad spectrum of length and timescales are embedded right across the SEPnet partners. However, to date little attempt has been made to draw these together. The workshop seeks to showcase activity; to explore some of the big challenges of modelling and simulation and to discuss opportunities for new routes to collaborative research funding especially with business.

Training and innovation opportunities: Both Big Data and Numerical modelling and simulation in condensed matter offer great possibilities for new training and innovation opportunities. At the workshop we will investigate how GRADnet could provide a vehicle for common doctoral training across the network, possibly leading to further funding from the research councils and collaborative funding directly with SME companies. We will also share best practice in collaborative R & D in computational problems with companies.

Speakers: The talk will have a few invited plenary speakers, but ample time for contributed talks and discussions. The programme is here: SEPnet Big Data Workshop Flyer Final v7

Registration: Registration is open. To confirm a place, please send an e-mail to Cristobel Soares-Smith (gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk) asap. In the event of over-subscription, preference will be given to delegates that (i) register early while (ii) maintaining representation from a diversity of interest groups and institutions.

Convenors: Nichol (Ports); Sullivan, Hoenig (Soton.); Oliver (Sussex); McDonald (Surrey).

06Sep/16

GRADnet Planetary Science School 14-15 November 2016

Planetary Science School 14-15 November 2016

GRADnet is pleased to announce a two day workshop for postgraduate researchers engaged in the diverse areas of Planetary Science at the SEPnet members.

Who:  Physics postgraduate researchers in planetary science.

When:  14-15 November 2016

Where:  National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW Accommodation is pre-booked and paid by SEPnet at the Travelodge in Teddington.  Travel expenses to and from the venue can be claimed through SEPnet.

Register here.  Registration deadline 14 October 2016. You will need to be logged onto the GRADnet VRE to register.

What:  A 2-day residential workshop led by senior researchers in the SEPnet region comprising lectures, tutorials, seminars and other activities. The workshop comprises four sessions exploring difference aspects of planetary science through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. There will be a poster opportunity for students to present their own plans and research.

Measuring geology on distant worlds

Led by researchers from the Open University, this session explores how rocks and minerals that form distant worlds are formed, destroyed, and rebuilt during geologic processes.  The contrasting examples of Mercury and Mars will be described.

Planetary magnetospheres

Led by researchers from the University of Southampton, this session explores how solar system bodies interact with the solar wind, the extension of the Sun’s outer atmosphere that flows outward through the solar system.

Asteroids and Comets

Led by researchers from the University of Kent, this session focuses on the exploration of asteroids and comets that recently achieved fame through Rosetta’s Philae probe first-ever landing on a comet; 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.

Deep space communication and navigation

Getting probes to distant worlds and getting quality data back is a key aspect of any mission in planetary science.  Led by researchers at NPL this session discusses the technical and intellectual challenges involved.

30Aug/16

Nuclear Security Network, Imaging and Localisation Technical Workshop

Nuclear Security Network, Imaging and Localisation Technical Workshop

Monday 12 September 2016, 10am – 4.30pm

The Wellcome Trust, 183 Euston Road, London, NW1

Following on from the successful launch of the Nuclear Security Network on 16 March 2016, this technical workshop will highlight and discuss current Imaging and Detection Techniques and is open to attendees from Academia, Industry and Government.

This Technical Workshop is intended for:

  • Researchers (academic, industry and government) wishing to deepen their technical knowledge of Nuclear Security Sciences.
  • The technical focus of this event will be on Imaging and Localisation techniques for Nuclear Security.

Attendance at this workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. For further information, or to register for the workshop, please contact info@nusec.uk, stating your current role/research interest in Nuclear Security Detection.

08Jul/16
2016 Summer School

SEPnet Physics PGRs invade Herstmonceux Castle

“Where might my Physics Take me?” – GRADnet 2016 Summer School – Herstmonceux

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The Observatory Science Centre, formerly the Royal Greenwich Observatory

During the week of 4th July 2016, nearly 50 SEPnet Physics PGRs from around the region attended the GRADnet 2106 Summer School. This was the fifth of our series of residential schools in the GRADnet programme and it was held in the historic setting of Herstmonceux Castle in Sussex.  The castle is of 15th Century origin and is located by the former Royal Greenwich Observatory, now a public Science Centre.

The purpose of the GRADnet residential schools is to give Physics Postgraduate Researchers in the SEPnet region the opportunity to experience opportunities and challenges outside of academia. They give them the chance to interact with employers from leading organisations through interactive workshops, presentations and poster sessions. They explore how the skills developed by Physics PGRs can be applied to solve problems encountered in the commercial world.

The programme consisted of the “Consultancy Challenge”, a competition where students take on the role of consultants to propose solutions to problems encountered by companies. Amec Foster Wheeler, Chomko & Rosier, Observatory Science Centre, and InSync Technology presented the students with a set of problems they need help solving, and the students formed teams to propose solutions. The posters with their solutions from the teams are here.

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Dr Becky Parker

There were modules on Public Engagement, led by Rowena Fletcher-Wood of Things We Don’t Know, followed  by a “Pub Quiz” to push the problem solving skills to the limit and think about how to communicate science in new ways. The next day Dr Becky Parker, Director of the Institute for Research in Schools, gave a stimulating talk on how Physics researchers could work with schools to engage them in their research, to inspire school students to become involved in cutting edge research.

 

Workshops from Airbus, NPL, CAST, AkzoNobel, the Met Office, and MR Solutions gave insights into challenges faced in the commercial world and how Physics skills can be applied to address them.

Dr Julian Potter of JW Thompson

Dr Julian Potter of JW Thompson

Key topics covered by other speakers included Intellectual Property by Julian Potter of JW Thompson, and Ethics in Research by Paul Stephenson of the University of Surrey, explored via case studies of ethical issues researchers are likely to encounter.

All in all, a packed programme that our students thoroughly enjoyed and valued.

Prizes for Posters and the Consultancy Challenge

Research Posters:

  • 1st:  Sarah Bentley, University of Reading
  • 2nd:  Lotfi Achiri, University of Surrey
  • Joint 3rd:  Andrew Lawson, University of Southampton and Tomas Navickas, University of Sussex
Sarah Bentley, Winner

Sarah Bentley, Winner

Lotfi Achiri, Runner Up

Lotfi Achiri, Runner Up

Andrew Lawson and Tomas Navickas, joint 3rd

Andrew Lawson and Tomas Navickas, joint 3rd

Consultancy Challenges:

Amec Foster Wheeler:

Team Green 1

  • Gemma Chapman, University of Surrey
  • Michael Everson, University of Kent
  • Heather McAslan, University of Sussex
  • Shaun Read, University of Hertfordshire
Chomko & Rosier:

Team Blue 2:

  • Chris Hayes, University of Hertfordshire
  • Tom Vaughan, Royal Holloway University of London
  • Oliver Winston, University of Sussex
  • Tingting Zhang, Queen Mary University of London
InSync Technology:

Team Red 1:

  • Andrea Fortini, University of Surrey
  • Anthony Preston, University of Southampton
  • Gabriel Secheli, University of Surrey
Observatory Science Centre:

Team Yellow 1:

  • Jesus Rubio-Jimenez, University of Sussex
  • Sarah Bentley, University of Reading
  • Ryan Perera, University of Surrey
People’s Choice:

Team Red 3:

  • Tugba Buyukbese, University of Sussex
  • Ryan Cheale, University of Hertfordshire
  • James Kneller, Queen Mary University of London
  • Tom Peach, University of Surrey 

 

 

Photographs of the week are available below: