Based at the University of Cambridge, the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technology is one of a number of research training initiatives devoted to the science and engineering of graphene and related two-dimensional materials. The aim of the CDTs is to deliver a high-quality, student-centred approach to training, and create a world-class cohort of early career scientists who will in turn become the next generation of entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
The focus of the CDT in Graphene Technology is cutting-edge engineering and industrial applications for graphene and related materials, and the centre exploits the close links between academia and industry in the Cambridge Cluster. Most of the project partners are commercial companies, with the remainder being research institutes and technology transfer, innovation and business development agencies.
The Graphene Technology CDT provides us a unique provision for training the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs. We hope to engineer a future with more efficient, functional and affordable technologies.
Tawfique Hasan, CDT Deputy Director
Industry contributes practically to the CDT through research projects, lectures, seminars and workshops.
Funded with over £4.6m from EPSRC, the CDT in Graphene Technology began life in October 2014. Six of the eight students fully within the CDT are funded by the research council, one is sponsored by industry, and another by the European Research Council. A ninth PhD student benefits from a close association with the CDT.
CDT students follow a four-year programme, with an MRes degree in year one, and a PhD research project in years two to four. During the first year, students undertake short research projects, and attend courses covering such things as business skills development, public outreach and engagement. In terms of time allocation, a little over half is spent on research, and the remainder devoted to taught courses. The PhD element of the programme is industry-focused, and the students get to choose their research topics at the end of the first year.
CDT programmes provide PhD students with a set of transferable and marketable skills, ranging from the detail of graphene and related materials to the more general aspects of flexible and wearable electronics, photonics, energy storage, RF systems, project management and more.
"The Graphene Technology CDT provides us a unique provision for training the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs," says Tawfique Hasan, deputy director for teaching and training with the CDT. "With the CDT we hope to engineer a future with more efficient, functional and affordable technologies."
The CDT in Graphene Technology will run initially until September 2022.