Category Archives: Research

18May/18

NuSec post-doctoral research grants in nuclear security, radiation and data – deadline 1 June

The NuSec Security Science Network is pleased to announce a competition for up to 10 short-term “PDRA support grants” worth up to £15,000 each, to research Nuclear Security network-related topics.

Grants are intended to support the direct salary costs of PDRAs so that they can work 100% 3 months (full time) or pro rata for longer if other support is provided. The PDRA can either be a new position, or an extension to an existing post.

Proposals must support the aims of the NuSec network, to deliver research or impact activities which have clear objectives in Nuclear Security Science.

Priority will be given to proposals which support the three main areas of activity covered by the network to date:
1. Detection systems for nuclear security
2. Algorithms, data and autonomous decision making
3. Alternative technologies for industrial use of radiation sources

Applications (no more than 2 side of A4) must be submitted by 1st June 2018 to info@nusec.uk.  Results will be announced on 1st July 2018.

If you interested in applying please visit the NuSec website http://www.nusec.uk/nusec-network-post-doctoral-support-(pdra)-support-grants/ for more details.

Read NuSec’s Science Network newsletter here: http://www.nusec.uk/news/2018/05/15/nusec-achievements-and-opportunities/ to read about 2017/2018 achievements and networking and funding opportunities.

24Jan/18

Numerical Modelling in Condensed Matter Workshop a success!

The Numerical Modelling in Condensed Matter Workshop took place on 14-16 January 2018 at Old Thorns in Liphook and was attended by 20 delegates.

The students enjoyed the hands-on practical sessions on the simulation programme and the interaction with other SEPnet PGRs.

Malin Schulz, a first year PGR at the University of Surrey ” found the workshop an amazing opportunity to learn about molecular modelling. The lecturers did a great job to deliver the methods to us and helped us getting started on modelling. It was also a great opportunity to meet PhD students from other universities who work in a similar field.”

Thanks to Dr Dave Faux, University of Surrey and Professor Keith Refson who delivered the 3-day workshop and to Cristobel Soares-Smith who organised the event.

17Jan/18

From Micrometres to Megaparsecs: Student-led Conference 21-23 March 2018

From Micrometres to Megaparsecs: Student-led Conference 21-23 March 2018

Who: 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.

What: 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.  

When: 21-23 March 2018  (Arrival 18:00 on 21 March 2018)

Where:  Murray Lecture Building, Highfield Campus, University of Southampton. (Accommodation at Glen Eyre Complex, Highfield Campus)

NumbersCirca 35 delegates

This conference aims to bring together students from all areas of astronomy research. From micrometeorites at Kent, to cosmological surveys at Portsmouth, the GRADnet groups and astronomy departments cover all sizes and scales of the Universe. Students will gain knowledge of a wide range of research techniques applied to the various size scales, and see where such techniques may cross over and enhance their own research; e.g. how the physics of planetary system formation can scale up to galactic formation.

Organisers:  Sam Billington, Justyn Campbell-White, University of Kent, and Ben Mawdsley, University of Portsmouth

The parallel conference is Advances in High Energy Physics and Cosmology and aims to bring together students from all areas of particle physics research. There will be cross-over lectures which are relevant to students of both astronomy and particle physics.    

The deadline to register is 7 February 2018. Register here. 

04Dec/17

SEPnet PhD Scholarships 2018

SEPnet PhD Scholarships: PhD Grand Challenges 2018

Take nine world-class University Physics Departments.  Bring together their research, knowledge and resources.  The result is SEPnet.

SEPnet offers PhD programmes focused on the future of physics with scholarships to match.  You will optimise the opportunity to enter your preferred field of research with your single application considered by nine universities: Hertfordshire, Kent, the OU, Portsmouth, Queen Mary, Royal Holloway, Southampton, Surrey and Sussex. Our partners offer over 100 PhD projects every year. These projects and SEPnet Scholarships are available in the following areas of research:

  • Astrophysics
  • Atmospheric and Climate physics
  • Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
  • Medical and Bio- Physics
  • Nuclear Physics:
  • Particle Physics
  • Physics Education
  • Quantum Technology and Condensed Matter
  • Space and Planetary Sciences
  • Theoretical Physics

 

The SEPnet Graduate Network (GRADnet)

GRADnet provides an extensive regional training programme for postgraduate researchers including physics training and professional skills development. For more information visit: http://www.sepnet.ac.uk/study/phd-opportunities/

GRADnet runs Graduate Schools for Physics PhD students at employers in the region. This video, produced by our students, gives a flavour of what to expect:

How to Apply:

Applicants are invited to submit their current C.V. and a short statement of their research interests (maximum 200 words) to Cristobel Soares-Smith, SEPnet Graduate Network Administrator, gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk by Wednesday 14th February 2018. Selected candidates will be invited to attend an Open Day on February 21st 2018 in order to meet potential supervisors and learn more about GRADnet.

Closing Date:  14 February 2018

Note that you are also able apply directly to any SEPnet University separately through their standard procedures. If your application is accepted by a particular University after the closing date above, it may not be considered for this GRADnet scholarship award. The SEPnet route should be considered as a distinct path. We will endeavour to make your application available to be considered for all relevant specific awards outside this SEPnet scheme but cannot guarantee that we are aware of all advertised posts from individual supervisors.

We expect awards to be made before the end of April.

03Oct/17

SEPnet Impact Grants – second call – deadline Oct 31st

SEPnet Impact Grants – second call – deadline Oct 31st

Aim:

To support researchers in developing Impact from their research, SEPnet is offering small grants to support an individual for up to 3 months full time or pro rata.

N.B These grants MUST be allocated and projects commenced before the end of SEPnet 2 (July 31st 2018) but expenditure may take place after this date. The projects are therefore suitable for individuals who will be available to start at any time up until July 2018.

N.B. This offer of funding is conditional on no unexpected costs emerging for SEPnet 2. SEPnet reserves the right to withdraw this offer of funding should circumstances demand it. Once a project has started the funding offer will be honoured.

Concept:

Towards the end of a project a PhD student, ECR or their supervisor may have ideas for developing research impact but the termination of the contract proves a barrier. Examples of previously successful Impact grants were described in the Spring 2017 Issue of GRADnews.

Solution:

A small grant to support the individual – this may be a PhD student after submission but before the viva or before starting a post doc position, or an ECR between contracts. The individual will work with the SEPnet Innovation Partnership Fellow, Gill Prosser (gill.prosser@port.ac.uk) or Colin Hayhurst (C.J.Hayhurst@sussex.ac.uk), to explore opportunities for research impact.

The impact sought may be economic, environmental, policy, health/lifestyle, cultural and/or societal including public engagement.

The time may be spent identifying and working with stakeholders to determine the feasibility of the research delivering impact and to determine how this impact may be achieved.  However, this funding is NOT intended to support continuing the underpinning research.

Process:

A short written statement outlining the nature of the underpinning research, initial ideas for impact and target stakeholders and a justification for the resources requested to be submitted to Averil Macdonald (a.m.macdonald@soton.ac.uk). Template on the next page.

It is recommended that applicants consult with their Innovation Partnership Scheme (IPS) Fellow to discuss ideas and/or discuss initial thoughts with Averil Macdonald.

Deadline:

The process is on a first come first served basis with a deadline of 31st October 2017 for final proposals.

N.B These grants MUST be allocated and projects commenced before the end of SEPnet 2 (July 31st 2018) but expenditure may take place after this date. The projects are therefore suitable for individuals who will be available to start any time up until July 2018.


 

Template headings for application for SEPnet Impact grant – 1 side A4 approx

  • Title
  • Proposer/Supervisor and proposed researcher
  • Aims of project including impact types targeted
  • Background research (eg project on which this impact is based)
  • Outline plan for engaging with stakeholders to establish potential for impact
  • Outline plan for developing impact
  • Time scales
  • Costs and justifications of resource
  • Other supporting information

 

 

07Aug/17

Southampton Quantum Light and Matter (QLM) Summer School

Registration Now Open!
We look forward to seeing you at the School!

Are you an experimental physicist? Are the lab gremlins getting you down? Does none of your data make sense? You could give up and end it all… but you should come to the QLM Summer School 2017! There are a limited number of places for PGRs from SEPnet institutions.

Now in its third year, the QLM Summer School is a chance to receive practical, hands-on advice to develop new skills, improve your lab productivity and kickstart your future career.  Taking place at Bournemouth University Talbot Campus from the 30th August – 1st September 2017, we are offering a varied selection of talks, workshops and activities to help unleash your full scientific potential whether you’re just starting your PhD and feel completely lost, or approaching the end of your PhD… and feel completely lost!

Accommodation, travel to and from the summer school and meals are provided!

Find out more here.

To Register click on the registration tab or follow the link below:

https://goo.gl/forms/KxLlWmmOrnaErMLY2

09May/17

Condensed Matter Physics in the City 2017

We are pleased to announce the 8th summer programme, ‘Condensed Matter Physics in the City 2017’ which will take place in London on 10-14 July 2017.  Further details can be found on our website.

The programme has been organised by the Hubbard Theory Consortium and sponsored by SEPnet and by ICAM.

This summer’s programme will have a special emphasis on Entanglement, Non-equilibrium and Thermalization in Quantum Correlated Materials. The programme will include international keynote speakers in addition to presentations by participants.  Please register here if you would like to attend or to give a presentation.  We would particularly encourage PhD students and postdocs to present their ongoing work.  We also have some limited financial support available for students from ICAM nodes across the globe.

Please feel free to forward this announcement to anyone you believe may be interested.

Kind regards,
Giovanni Sordi

on behalf of the Hubbard Theory Consortium:

Piers Coleman
Matthias Eschrig
Sam Carr
Jorge Quintanilla
Andrew Green
Keith Refson
Frank Kruger
Ryan Barnett
Anna Posazhennikova
Andrew Ho
Derek Lee
Toby Perring
Giovanni Sordi

 
Giovanni Sordi
Lecturer
Hubbard Theory Consortium
Department of Physics
Royal Holloway University of London
Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, United Kingdom
email: Giovanni.Sordi@rhul.ac.uk
web: http://personal.rhul.ac.uk/uxap/009

17Jan/17

GRADnet School: Experimental Methods for Condensed Matter 5-7 March 2017

Experimental Methods for Condensed Matter 5-7 March 2017

Who:  This course is for 1st and 2nd Year Physics postgraduate researchers working in experimental condensed matter physics, and theorists wanting to learn what   experimenters can do!

When: Sunday, 5 March to Tuesday, 7 March 2017.  Arrival 12:30 on Sunday, 5 March.

Where:  Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30 7PE.  All meals and accommodation have been booked and pre-paid by SEPnet.  Travel expenses to and from the venue can be claimed through SEPnet.  A shuttle taxi service will be provided from Liphook station to Old Thorns on Monday morning and Tuesday evening.

Register here.  Registration deadline 30 January 2017

What:  A 3-day residential workshop that describes the background science, the methodology, the capability and some dos and don’ts of a range of common spectroscopy, microscopy and characterisation techniques.

This residential school has the joint objectives of reinforcing understanding for students already working with some of the methods discussed and showing what other methods might offer. It will include lectures, tutorials, seminars and other activity sessions on:

  • X-ray and neutron scattering
  • Optical spectroscopies.  A discussion of the basics of optical spectroscopy, spectrometers and spectrographs will be followed by examples of their use in characterising materials by photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, etc.
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance. An introduction to how physicists use NMR to measure molecular dynamics and microstructure.
  • Electron and atomic force microscopies and surface analysis techniques. These methods enable the imaging of (i) the topography of materials surfaces, (ii) the microstructure of a material, (iii) the defects, such as dislocations, within a material and (iv) chemical analysis. Two sessions explore how these goals are achieved.

This workshop contributes 16 hours towards physics skills training.

21Nov/16

NuSec Personal Development Grant – Open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in the field of nuclear security science

NuSec Personal Development Grant: The Nuclear Security Science Network ‘NuSec’ promotes research and technology in nuclear security. The network is open to all academic, industrial and government scientists and engineers working in nuclear security and acts as a forum to encourage collaboration, networking and capability for all stakeholders.

Aim of Grant: To support Early Career Researchers and established staff across a range of personal development activities related to nuclear security science, including attending research conferences, carrying out industrial placements, or attending training courses. Also to strengthen the research and innovation capacity of scientists in the field of nuclear security science and to develop new collaborations between researchers and partner organisations.

Scope: To include any mechanism which achieves the aims and objectives of the programme. Funding will be offered to support travel and subsistence costs plus event registration fees or other associated costs.

Award Value: Grants will be awarded in the range £500 – £2000. Early Career Researchers (PhD students and postdoctoral researchers) are NOT required to obtain matched funding.

Application Procedure: Applications must be made using the application form that can be downloaded from the NuSec website www.nusec.uk. There is an open application deadline for these grants with a decision made to the applicant within 6 weeks of submission. The assessment of proposals will be carried out by the NuSec Management Group.

Eligibility: Applicants should be researchers who are based either at a university, research establishment or a company within the UK. Applicants are expected to either be active in the field of nuclear security or wishing to apply their expertise from other areas into nuclear security research. Applicants will normally only receive one award across the duration of the network.

Further details: Visit NuSec’s website or contact info@nusec.uk.

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