17Dec/15

Call for SEPnet Grant Proposals for Impact

Impact Grants available

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.

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.

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 Innovation Partnership Fellow to explore opportunities for research impact.

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

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.

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@reading.ac.uk)

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 15th February 2016 for final proposals.

27Nov/15
Big Bang Fair

SEPnet Outreach & Ogden Science Officer

The University of Surrey, in conjunction with SEPnet and Ogden Science Trust are recruiting! The post holder will provide efficient and effective co-ordination and delivery of a wide range of Outreach and Marketing initiatives aimed at promoting Physics to Schools and the take up of Physics at A level and beyond within the South East. The post holder will work with school teachers, university departments and staff and employers in the South East to ensure that the programme is developed, delivered and supported.

For more details and how to apply see here. Closing Date Sunday 6th December 2015.

20Nov/15

Seventh SEPnet Student Expo – a Great Success!

SEPnet’s 7th Annual Students’ Expo recently took place at the Royal Academy of Engineering. Over 150 students, academics and employers came together to celebrate the achievements of 84 students who successfully carried out industry and research summer placements on a diverse range of topics from production engineering of a prototype electric motorcycle to mapping of UK innovation clusters.

Professor Martin Earwicker talking on his "Career in four miles"

Professor Martin Earwicker talking on his “Career in four miles”

Former students gave inspiring talks about the benefits of their experiences and their current roles.  Professor Martin Earwicker spoke about his varied and successful career as vice chancellor of London South Bank University, Director of the Science Museum and first chief executive of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

Students gave 1-minute presentations and displayed posters about their projects.  Prizes donated by the IOP were awarded for the 6 best posters.

We will soon put out a call for next year’s summer placements.  If you are interested in offering a summer placement to a physics student, email employerengagement@sepmet.ac.uk

Six student posters were selected as winners:

Brennan Hacket of the University of Surrey

Brennan Hacket of the University of Surrey

Ashley Morahan of the University of Southampton

Ashley Morahan of the University of Southampton

Natasha Westland of Queen Mary University of London

Natasha Westland of Queen Mary University of London

Mark Grundy of the University of Sussex

Mark Grundy of the University of Sussex

David Elcock of the University of Southampton

David Elcock of the University of Southampton

Anna Laws of the University of Hertfordshire

Anna Laws of the University of Southampton

You can see some of our photos here.


16Nov/15

Numerical Modelling and Simulations Workshop 13-15 December 2015

Date:  13-15 December 2015 (arrival at 17:00 on Sunday evening)

Venue and Accommodation:  Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Longmoor Rd, Griggs Green, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7PE. For directions see here.

To register see link here, deadline Friday, 27 November 2015 

This interactive two-day residential workshop is designed for PhD students who would benefit from an introduction to Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics, and first-principles quantum mechanical simulation.  These fundamental and widely-used simulation techniques could support theoretical, computational or experimental PhD projects. The sessions comprise lectures on principles followed by an opportunity for hands-on practice, supplemented by plenary presentations by practitioners.

For full programme see here.

11Nov/15

SEPnet Collaborative PhDs

Research Projects for Ambitious SMEs at an affordable budget

Access quality PhD students for research you define in:

  • Numerical Modelling

or

  • Detectors

at £8K per year*

Work with industry focussed academics

* excluding VAT. Typically a PhD would cost you £30K per year excluding VA

 Benefits

  • Help define, and benefit directly from, research that underpins a technology problem you have
  • Collaborate to tackle research that is pre-competitive
  • Directly access  PhD research and students  at an affordable price

 How it works

  • Collaborative research projects consisting of a small group of SMEs, quality academics and a dedicated PhD student will be formed
  • Each PhD project will be defined and guided by the SME group and academics
  • Collaborating with 3 other SMEs reduces costs to around £8K pa for a 3-year programme
  • PhDs to start in October 2016
  • Project definition and consortia will be formed in Q4 2015 and Q1 2016

Register your interest here: http://sepnetphd.instapage.com/

GRADnet Summer School

Students at a GRADnet Summer School

“As a sponsor we were able to influence the direction of research, understand the analytical and experimental capabilities of the University and assist the Research Engineer in aligning their efforts to both a practical and very demanding application. It has, without doubt, given our company a competitive edge.”

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAXNAAAAJDZhNGE0ZTRlLWQ2NGUtNDZiYy05Mzk5LTBkZTVjZDFjMzFkYg

Professor Steve Burnage, Chief Design Engineer, Lockheed Martin

30Oct/15

Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics

A South East Physics Network (SEPnet) Event

Wednesday 27 January 2016 – 17.00-20.00, University of Kent

SEPnet’s Graduate Network (GRADnet) is organising its 4th networking evening to facilitate greater collaboration and links between industry and physics postgraduate research students (PGRs) and researchers. We anticipate approximately 60 employers, physics PhD students and academics attending this event.

 Who should attend

  • SEPnet PGR students who want to meet small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and employers from physics-related industries to find out about career opportunities, make contacts and explore research and business ideas
  • SEPnet partner researchers who want to build links with industry to explore how their research can create impact
  • SMEs, businesses and employers in physics-related industries.

During the evening:

  • Hear from panellists including: Maya Dillon, Community Manager, Pivigo Academy;  Iain Duncan, Founder, Mousetrap Innovation; Phil Edwards, Managing Director, Weald Technology; Anke Lohmann, KTN Head of Photonics & Quantum Technologies and others talk about the benefits of knowledge exchange and what physics postgraduates and postdocs can offer industry
  • Participate in a speed networking session;
  • Build ongoing relationships between industry and researchers through placements, mentoring or research collaboration;
  • Refreshments will be provided.

How to register:

This event is free to attend.  Places are limited so please book early by clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/1id46BC. (PGR students are requested to attend a networking workshop at 16.00).

For enquiries, contact gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk

 

THIS EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY THE INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS