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EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technology

 

Our vision is to take graphene, related layered materials and hybrids to a point where they can revolutionise flexible, wearable and transparent (opto)electronics, with a manifold return in innovation and exploitation. These novel materials can become a new technological platform for the realisation of almost any device component, including transistors, batteries, supercapacitors, optoelectronic components, photovoltaic cells, (photo)detectors, ultrafast lasers, bio- and physico-chemical sensors, etc. Such change in the paradigm of device manufacturing may revolutionise the global industry.

To enable this, fundamental research challenges in the materials chemistry and device physics also need to be addressed. This includes the need for more scalable growth/synthesis techniques, more controlled techniques for controlling hetero-interfaces between graphene and other two-dimensional materials as well as better understanding of, for example, the electronic structure of heterojunction devices and the role that graphene plays in various charge storage mechanisms. In addition to application focussed projects we therefore also offer fundamental research projects that aim to address these important challenges.


The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Graphene Technology aims to deliver a high-quality, student-centred, cohort approach to research training, focussed on the student experience. We wish to build a world-class cohort of young scientists who can become the next generation of high-tech entrepreneurs and technology leaders.


This is a four year programme, with a one year MRes followed, assuming a suitable level of attainment, by a three year PhD research programme (the thesis project being selected at the end of year 1). In the first year, students will undertake structured programme consisting of: (a) taught courses, partially drawn from a portfolio of existing 4th year and Master's courses, with additional new modules covering the science and technology of graphene, related layered materials and hybrid systems, as well as flexible and printable (opto)electronics, antennas and communications, energy storage and delivery; (b) laboratory sessions (designed to provide training in a range of experimental skills such as lithography, printing, vacuum processing, solution processing, device testing and materials characterisation); (c) technical projects. All students will undertake two projects, one academic-led and one industry-led, with no two projects in the same group;(d) enterprise skills (Management of Technology and Innovation/iTeams/ignite). Industrial experience in the partner companies, public engagement activities in schools or exhibitions, and periods of time spent in academic collaborator laboratories will be encouraged (and given the breath of worldwide collaborations having Cambridge at the core, the students will have the widest possible selection).

To maintain the group dynamic in years 2-4, there will be a programme of integration activities and workshops, including regular weekly interaction via an Advanced Technology Lecture series.

 

Apply online

 

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