Imperial Materials

Lola Bourgeais graduated from the Department of Materials in 2024 with an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering. She has since joined Ceres as a Graduate Engineer on a two year graduate scheme. In her role, she has had the opportunity to explore various departments across the company and contribute to projects focused on fuel cells.

What is your current job?

Graduate Engineer at Ceres

What do you do in your job?

I am in a two-year grad scheme, where I get to explore different technical and business focused departments around the company. I’ve worked in Energy Materials (R&D), Inks Manufacturing, Quality Engineering and I’m going into Commercial next. I’ve been involved in different projects focused on improving the fuel cell design and understanding more about certain components of the cell.

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?

I did IB higher level Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Why you chose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

I chose Materials because of its interdisciplinary nature. I liked the idea of being able to study something that had applications in so many different fields and requires knowledge and skills from multiple subjects.

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?

I really enjoyed the optional modules we got to choose in year 3 and 4 as well as the many group projects (processing lab, coding challenge, design study…)

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

Leading my own mini research project where I got to play around with and analyse the chemistry of one of the solutions forming a layer of the cell.

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Bioglass. It has such interesting applications in medicine due to its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

It’s all going to work out. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try to enjoy things as they happen rather than always focusing on what’s next!

Read Alumni spotlight: Lola Bourgeais, Graduate Engineer at Ceres in full

Nora Dopico is an undergraduate student in the Department of Materials. She has recently completed her third year and is currently completing a self-organised, year-long placement at Airbus. In this new blog post, she shares how she organised the placement, what the experience has been like, and how it will support her final year of study.

Can you tell us more about the placement?

I’m working in the Materials and Processes (M&P) department at Airbus, specifically in the Assembly Technology team. It’s based in the Advanced Integrated Research & Technology Centre (AIRTeC), its most advanced materials research and test facility, and Airbus’s primary site for the development of aircraft wings of the future.

The Assembly team covers a wide range of activities, such as qualifying new parts and answering quality issues. I’m part of a site working in Filton, that has been a cornerstone of British aerospace innovation for over a century. Originally the home of the Bristol Aeroplane Company, with its final flight returning to Filton in 2003.

Today, Airbus Filton is integral to designing wing structure, fuel systems, and landing gear integration for Airbus aircraft, and it also handles wing assembly for the A400M. It remains a thriving hub for aerospace engineering, shared with industry giants like Rolls-Royce and MBDA, and famously where much of the Concorde was both designed and built.

What tasks did your placement involve?

My role involves everything from dealing with in-service failures, to developing future generations of fastening systems, in collaboration with numerous suppliers from across the globe.

My key responsibilities include reacting to in-service Quality Issues by carrying out test campaigns and performing failure analysis, supporting qualification processes for new material sources and/or new suppliers, arranging testing procedures cross-nationally to evolve R&T fastening systems through the next stage of “Technology Readiness” , and more recently creating a simulation program to approximate the optimal geometry of a fastener component for a High Load Captive Nut problem.

So far, the team meeting in St Nazaire has been the highlight of my placement. This was an opportunity to meet the colleagues in Bremen, Toulouse and Getafe, to share ideas and visit the fuselage manufacturing facilities. Standing inside of A320-family and A350 fuselages as they were being assembled, and witnessing BelugaXLs take off for final assembly, gave me a real appreciation of the impact of our work. I also had the opportunity to see Airbus UK’s wing manufacturing operations up close during a visit to Broughton, helping me build an understanding of the company’s wider activities and the real-world impact of my team’s work.

What led you to explore this area of Materials Science?

Airbus is a global aerospace giant pioneering cutting-edge aircraft, helicopters, and space technology. Previously, I had interned at a Tier 1-2 supplier, which provided components to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Airbus provides a rare and extremely valuable insight into the complex organism that is an industry leader OEM at the very top of the supply chain.

During my first day at Airbus, as I was introduced to the different teams within M&P, I noticed SEM images on screens that looked almost identical to what I had studied in Fracture Mechanics at Imperial. But these were images of real components that had been flying days prior. This was a real ‘aha!’ moment for me, crystallising my interest in the microstructural side of materials engineering; how processing routes, alloy design, high strength fastener materials (Ti, Al, CRES), and phase transformations directly influence performance and failure in real components. I became especially drawn to the challenge of linking microstructure to mechanical behaviour in high-performance environments, which set the tone for the rest of my placement.

What did you learn and how will this help you in the future?

One of the most fascinating, and simultaneously challenging parts of the job is investigating Quality Issues. Originating from in-service failures of components, Quality Issues are kind of like solving a murder mystery — except half the clues are missing. The learning curve is steep, developing a technical understanding of assembly, fasteners, machinery etc. And yet, I’d say that the biggest takeaway from the last few months has been the interpersonal skills I have developed.

It’s easy to disguise these takeaways with umbrella terms like “Networking” , but really it goes a lot further than that. Working alongside managers and colleagues from a range of countries and with varied approaches has taught me not just to adapt, but also to pick up the best bits of each and tailoring it to how I work best, which is a learning outcome in itself. Working for a corporate giant has provided me with an appreciation for complex organisational frameworks, which shape a big part of the job.

Although the scale of the organisation naturally means that individual contributions may feel less immediately visible than in a smaller company or startup, the opportunity to learn from seasoned experts — many of whom have spent decades developing deep, specialised knowledge — is an exceptional advantage and incredibly formative for me. Being surrounded by that depth of experience, combined with the trust and autonomy I was given by my managers, pushed me to think more critically, have more confidence in my own abilities, ask better questions, and take ownership of my development in a way that will stay with me throughout my career.

Read Student Spotlight: My Year-Long Journey at Airbus in full

Abdus Shaik is a first year PhD student in the Department of Materials. His research investigates cool fusion reactors, attempting to use computational simulations to understand how the fast neutrons in the reactor interact with the walls of the reactor, and how that is affected by the high temperatures that fusion involves. Being able to build long lasting steels would help to build more cost efficient reactors that will bring us a step closer to near-limitless clean energy.

What inspired you to study for a PhD? 

I always told myself I wanted to solve problems, and I’m particularly interested in the energy crisis. But then I asked myself, what can I do to make a difference? Because I have no experience in solving global issues. I chose to find somewhere which can guide me, allow me to be independent and think outside the box, answer questions that actually matter. And the answer to the initial question was: do a PhD in Materials Science at Imperial College London. So here I am!  

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field? 

My research focuses on the cool fusion reactors (yes the one’s you may have read about in the news!). I use computational simulations to understand how the fast neutrons in the reactor interact with the walls of the reactor, and how that is affected by the high temperatures that fusion involves. While the plasma (really hot gas made up of charged particles) itself reaches around 150 million C, we only deal with temperatures around 500 C, thanks to the strong superconducting magnets. This work helps us predict how materials will behave and degrade over time, which is a crucial step in developing reactors that are long-lasting, safe, sustainable and cost efficient.

Why did you study this area and why is it important? 

Climate Change! I did an internship I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy, but I wanted to make good use of my summer. It actually led me to realise what I wanted to do with my life! In particular I wanted to learn more about near-limitless clean energy, and I knew this could help tackle climate change. I also wanted to be able to tell my great grandchildren that I was part of the Fusion Revolution! 

How could this research make an impact?

My research is part of NEURONE (Neutron Irradiation of Advanced Steels), a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) project working on futuristic steel that can be used in STEP, the UK’s programme to build the first commercialised fusion plant in the world. This research will give scientists and engineers who are part of the wider NEURONE team, a better understanding of how the radiation inside the reactor will speed up the stress induced damage of the steels. Being able to build long lasting steels, would help us build more cost efficient reactors that will bring us a step closer to near-limitless clean energy!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?   

Apart from the fact that you can just click a button and a computer does everything for you for 20 hours, I enjoy how I’m constantly learning something new every single day. Sometimes you find out something that would most likely make you the only person in the entire world who knows that. The ability to stare at a box of atoms and admire how things are held together with forces that you can’t see but you can study, and how those forces keep everything together in the entire world, including you and me. 

Can you tell us more about the Nuclear Diplomacy Forum which you are working to create at Imperial? 

The idea behind the Nuclear Diplomacy Forum, is to build a group of scientists, who would be able to explain anything they do, to absolutely anyone. And to use these communication skills to build diplomacy. Our goal is to use Imperial as a hub for discussions around nuclear energy, emerging technologies, and how that affects local policy and international diplomacy. We are looking to do embassy visits, events in parliament, and hold talks and conferences at Imperial, on the latest developments in the world of nuclear. We are also looking to start a newsletter where people from across the globe can contribute with comment pieces on different developments! If you’d like to sign up to the newsletter, please complete this form. We want this to be able to inspire people to start their own forums to revive the idea of science diplomacy, where science is used to build diplomacy and peace, and diplomacy in return helps advance scientific research.  

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?  

I speak seven languages and can read and write in four different scripts. I started my BSc in Physics at 16 and graduated by 19. 

Read PhD Spotlight: How simulations help to drive nuclear fusion research in full

Rushvi Shah graduated from the Department of Materials in 2024 with an MEng in Materials Science and Engineering. She has since joined Johnson Matthey as a Researcher, working on the Research and Development Team, contributing to a project of high strategic importance which aligns with JM’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen (LCH) growth strategy. In this blog post, Rushvi shares more about her role, the coolest thing in her career so far and why she chose to study Materials Science and Engineering. 

What is your current job?

I am currently working at Johnson Matthey, a global leader in sustainable technology solutions.

What do you do in your job?

I am part of the LEAD graduate programme, which consists of three rotations over 2.5 years. In my current rotation, I work as a researcher in catalyst technologies for Low-Carbon Hydrogen (LCH) production. For my next rotation, I will transition into a Business Development role, focusing on strategy and client engagement.

What A-Levels (or equivalent) did you do?

I studied Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Information Technology for my A-Levels.

Why you chose a career in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)?

I chose Materials Science because I wanted a multidisciplinary field that combined my love for chemistry, physics, and maths. I also recognised the crucial role materials science plays in innovation — shaping industries from automotive engineering to biomaterials and electronics.

What did you enjoy most about your MSE course?

I enjoyed meeting a diverse group of individuals. Using their MSE degree, my friends are on the path of becoming engineers, researchers, founders and even lawyers! The versatility of the field opens doors to many different career paths.

What is the coolest thing you have done in your career so far?

The coolest part of my career so far has been meeting and learning from incredible people. Through networking, I’ve had the chance to speak with colleagues at all levels, including those in C-suite positions. It’s also inspiring to see women in STEM stepping into leadership roles and actively empowering others to do the same.

What is your favourite material (and why)?

Nanomaterials are my favourite. Their microscopic properties differ drastically from their macroscopic ones, making them highly impactful in diverse fields, from biomaterials to catalysis.

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

Stay motivated, be ambitious, and always do your best — but also remember to take breaks and enjoy the moment. Time flies faster than you think!

Read Alumni spotlight: Rushvi Shah at Johnson Matthey in full

Emma Wolpert is an Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Materials. In this new blog post, she explains more about her research into the development of new materials with tailored properties.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I’ve always been curious about how everyday objects and technologies work: how a phone battery holds charge, or what makes a material strong yet flexible. At school I loved Chemistry, Physics, and Maths which led me to study Chemistry at university. Over time, I gravitated towards Materials Science because it sits at the intersection of chemistry, physics and engineering, perfectly aligning with my curiosity. It’s a field that blends scientific discovery and understanding with real-world applications, making it both fascinating and deeply rewarding.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I study how interactions at the nanoscale impact the macroscopic properties of materials. To do this, I develop computational models to predict how small organic molecules come together to form materials. My work focuses on porous materials — where the pores can separate and store gases — and optoelectronic materials, which turn light into electricity. By adjusting these models, I can simulate how changes in a molecule’s shape or interactions influence the overall structure and properties of the material, helping us design materials with specific, desired properties.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Understanding how molecules assemble into solid structures is key to creating materials with specific functions. For example, in optoelectronics, the arrangement of molecules can directly affect a device’s performance. I develop techniques to predict the molecular arrangement, which helps us understand how to control the molecular structure and design materials with enhanced capabilities. This is particularly important for developing next-generation technologies, such as more efficient solar cells, where precise molecular control is critical for improving performance.

How could this research make an impact?

My research can lead to the development of new materials with tailored properties — enhancing the efficiency of optoelectronic devices and creating materials that can selectively capture, store, and separate gases. For example, porous materials designed for carbon capture could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change. Similarly, improved optoelectronic materials could lead to more energy-efficient lighting and displays, reducing global energy consumption. By understanding and controlling molecular assembly we can support the design of materials to address some of the world’s most pressing technological and environmental challenges.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

At Imperial, I collaborate with experimental researchers such as Dr Jess Wade and Professor Sandrine Heutz, who are interested in molecular assembly on surfaces, as well as Dr Becky Greenaway in the Department of Chemistry, who works on porous materials. I also collaborate with computational researchers including Professor Johannes Lischner to investigate the stacking behaviour of layered materials, and Professor Kim Jelfs, where we use AI techniques to analyse datasets. Beyond Imperial, I work with collaborators in the UK (Liverpool and Durham), Germany (Technical University of Munich), USA (Cornell), and Japan (Kyoto).

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy uncovering unique behaviour in materials from very simple building blocks and getting to understand why and how different molecular properties affect the material’s overall performance. Analysing data and finding new trends—and then figuring out why they occur—is my favourite part of my job, and it always brings new and exciting challenges.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside the lab, I love getting out of London and going hiking. I’m also an avid traveller and particularly enjoy having the opportunity to travel to international conferences.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

My husband and I love a good challenge, so we’ve set ourselves the goal of hiking all the Marilyns in England. These are England’s version of Scotland’s Munros, only much smaller. It’s been a great way to explore hidden parts of the country!

Read Fellow spotlight: Dr Emma Wolpert on designing better porous and optoelectronic materials in full

In this blog post, our third year undergraduate student Hiran shares his experience of studying Materials Science and Engineering in the Department of Materials, Imperial College London.

Nearly three years of studying Materials Science at Imperial have truly flown by. I’ve made lifelong friends and experienced many memorable moments. Perhaps most intriguingly, my course has fabricated a new lens for my stainless steel framed glasses that has transformed how I see the world around me. Things that I would see in my everyday life around London and disregard are now fascinating and I can’t help but point out to whoever is with me! Be it the jaded green rooftops that were once reddish copper, the carbon fiber frames of a fancy cyclists bike, or the incredibly pristine glass on the Shard covered by a film of Titanium oxide that makes it self-cleaning.

Thankfully, I’ve not only accumulated small nuggets of interesting information during my degree, but I have come to further appreciate Materials Science’s significance for our planet’s future. The synergy between materials science and semiconductor technology, exemplified by Nvidia’s cycle of groundbreaking chip innovations, is fueling the exponential growth of AI and machine learning which shapes our future day by day. Exploration in bioplastics derived from plants and microorganisms with the goal of allowing them to break down naturally could eradicate the ever-pressing issue of plastic pollution, potentially saving the future of many ecosystems. Research surrounding CO2 capture and conversion into fuels is a topic I’ve been reading for my Literature Review. Fine-tuning the microstructure of electrocatalysts in CO2 reduction is a challenge I have no doubt that Materials Scientists will one day solve, saving our future from the global warming crisis. The future of sports is also heavily dictated by material developments. Almost everyone I know at Imperial has caught the F1 craze and with our materials background, the technology on display is even more appreciable. Materials Scientist’s constant improvements in biocompatible implants that integrate seamlessly with tissue will help athletes and patients return from injuries quicker and with ease. I’m known for my notoriously fragile knees so it’s looking likely that materials science will be shaping the future of my patellas too.

Studying Materials Science at Imperial has helped me build technical and teamwork skills that will influence how I approach my future work life. I’ve enjoyed group projects where I’ve had to 3D print, design household appliances, and even create porcelain from raw materials. I also never thought the countless Gantt Charts and Interim reports would turn out to be a transferable skill. Although I remain undecided on a career, I’m looking forward to seeing how the Materials Science community is developing and new technologies on the near horizon. Many of my peers at Imperial stun me everyday with their remarkable aptitude and curiosity, and some will certainly go on to shape our collective futures.

Like I said, studying Materials Science has given me a new lens on the world, but that’s not just from a scientific point of view. I’ve found that every lecturer has echoed what makes us special as Materials Scientists is our ability to understand matter on a microscopic scale. Whilst it is indeed a skill to pride ourselves on, I’ve also come to appreciate it as a broader ability to appreciate the little things. In the overwhelming periods of studying at Imperial and living in this chaotic city, appreciating the microscopic details that we take for granted has helped me navigate the stressful times and enjoy life just that little bit more.

Read How studying materials science will shape my future in full

Dr Sonia Gera is a UKRI Research Fellow in the Department of Materials. Her research investigates materials that can fix broken bone and help them heal while preventing infections at the same time. These materials are nature inspired, are made of  safe and biocompatible ingredients. In this blog post, she shares more about her research, what she enjoys about her work and what she likes to do outside of research. 

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

During my studies in Pharmaceutical Science, I witnessed the crucial role of materials in the delivery of medicines to address real world health challenges. I have always been passionate about understanding the bone healing process and exploring how materials can play a transformative role in it. My dream is to one day invent a novel material that not only repairs bone fractures and defects but also accelerates healing while providing long-term relief. The idea of developing materials which can mimic the tissue and their ability to interact with biological surface has truly inspired me to work in material science. This multidisciplinary field has allowed me to build on my previous knowledge and skills to bring innovative solutions to critical conditions such as bone repair. The potential of materials to bring meaningful changes in society makes it a perfect path for me.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

Imagine if surgeon could use a biodegradable glue instead of metal screws and plates in fixing bone and bone implants in case of broken bones. This glue will not only hold it under wet conditions, but also supports the body’s healing process by encouraging the new bone growth and stopping all the harmful bacteria to prevent infections-all without the need of antibiotics. I am working on developing such glue like materials that can fix the broken bone and help them heal while preventing infections at the same time. These materials are nature inspired, and are made of safe and biocompatible ingredients.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Bone repair and infection prevention is an important research area demanding novel solutions because millions of people get bone injuries every year globally from trauma, osteoporosis and bone diseases. The traditional methods suffers from challenges of slower healing, infections and  additional surgeries. By developing bioinspired materials we are improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery time and addressing global challenges in sustainable way.

How could this research make an impact?

Adhesive material which can replace metal screws and plates in clinics and supports bone healing, controls infections without antibiotics has the potential that can go beyond lab and transform the how bone injuries and infections are currently treated. This will reduce the treatment cost, improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

My research thrives on collaborations as it involve multidisciplinary approach. I work close with experts and colleagues working in area of material science, polymer chemistry, bioengineering and microbiology. This includes researchers and team from Department of Materials, Department of Bioengineering and Faculty of Medicine. Beyond imperial, I collaborate with clinicians and their feedback ensures that my research aligns with the real-world applications. I also connect with industrial partners and innovation hubs which can help me translate my research into prototypes for preclinical testing. I’m always excited to connect with others working in similar areas. If you’re interested or involved in related research, let’s get in touch and collaborate!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy most about my research and work is the opportunity to create solutions that can impact patient’s lives. I also like creative aspect of my work, experimenting with the different materials,  their testing, and discovering new ways to make them work better for application. It is like solving a complex puzzle with number of elements, each one of which can have real time impact. The best part is working with brilliant minds in the team is something I cherish each day being at Imperial.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

Outside research I love doing things that help me get relaxed and recharged. I like being in nature activities like long walks, hiking, visiting scenic spots that can help me clearing my mind. I also like travelling and exploring new places in London. I do enjoy watching movies, listening to music and reading  books on personal growth.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

My colleagues will be surprised to learn that I  am a big foodie! My curiosity sometimes spills in my kitchen as I love to experiment with food and recipes. I am always ready to try all the unique vegetarian dishes whenever I travel.

Read Fellow Spotlight: Dr Sonia Gera on developing materials to heal and fix bones in full

In this blog post, our second year undergraduate student Fahmin shares five skills she has developed since joining the Department of Materials, Imperial College London. 

For me, Materials Science is an exciting field that combines discovery, creativity and innovation. Since joining Imperial, I’ve come to appreciate just how impactful materials science can be. It’s more than just understanding how things work it’s about exploring why materials behave the way they do and how they can be enhanced to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s improving materials for electric vehicles or developing sustainable solutions, materials science plays a key role in shaping the future.  

I’m currently in my second year studying Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London and I feel I’ve gained key skills to push boundaries and think about science for the future. Here are five key skills I’ve gained:

Solving problems like a pro 

Materials science often feels like solving intricate puzzles. So far, I’ve learned how to break down complex challenges, analyse them, and find innovative solutions  For example, in the materials selection module, I’ve learnt how to evaluate different properties to identify the most suitable material for a given application. This process has taught me to think critically and creatively, giving me confidence in tackling challenges across both my academic and personal life.  

Hands-on experience in labs 

One of the highlights of studying materials science at Imperial is the practical, hands-on experience. Through labs, I’ve worked with advanced tools such as tensile testing and have performed mechanical tests such as four-point bending to explore the strength of materials under stress. These experiments bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing us how materials behave under real-world conditions.

Mastering data and visualisation  

Data plays a critical role in materials science, and the undergraduate course has helped me develop strong analytical skills. I have used Excel to interpret results from techniques like XRD, EDX, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Visualising and analysing data has helped me understand materials’ structure, composition, and surface chemistry. Turning raw data into meaningful insights has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my studies.

Communicating with confidence

Understanding complex material is one thing but explaining it to others is equally important. We’ve worked on interdisciplinary projects, such as our end-of-year design study project at the end of the first year, where I worked with a team of 12 students to design a machine that compresses powders and measures hardness values.

This project combined CAD software, coding and Arduino programming to bring the design to life, which encouraged us to have an effective line of communication in the team. This helped us to ensure we were working efficiently, and that any issues could be addressed quickly and with confidence.

Becoming resilient 

Our projects don’t always work on the first try! While working on our end-of-year design study project, we experimented with multiple approaches and tackled various challenges before arriving at our final design.

At the end of the project, we had to present our final work to two CEOs, our teaching faculty, and the entire cohort. Although this initially felt daunting, the communication and resilience skills that I developed throughout the year-long project gave me the confidence to share our ideas and my contributions to the team.

Overall I’ve found that studying Materials Science at Imperial is not just about understanding metals or ceramics; it’s about developing skills that prepare you to tackle challenges, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

Read Five skills I’ve developed since joining Imperial in full

Anica Tahsin is a second-year undergraduate student in the Department of Materials. In her first year, Anica applied to The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme, which aims to enhance sustainable leadership and stimulate sustainable innovation among a new generation of leaders. The programme uniquely funds up to 25 places annually to undergraduate students in Imperial College London each year, supporting a research project and a Leadership in Action experience, with a unique focus on tackling the 17 UN SDGs.

Anica was accepted and completed a six-week paid research project and a fully-funded leadership project abroad. In this blog post, she shares her experiences and offers advice for students interested in applying for the next cohort.

Why did you apply to the Laidlaw Scholars Programme? 

The Laidlaw Scholars Programme sounded almost too good to be true—a six-week, paid research project on any topic that interests me and a fully-funded leadership project abroad? After completing my first year with Laidlaw, I can confidently say it’s exactly that.

I saw this as an opportunity to meet new people, develop my leadership skills, and learn what it means to be an ethical leader. That’s precisely what the Laidlaw Foundation is all about.

What did your project involve? 

I completed a self-proposed project focused on reevaluating flood assessment in vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. While it wasn’t directly related to my degree in Materials Science, it was a topic I was passionate about and knew I wanted to explore further. Many others pursued projects outside their degree fields, so if that’s what’s holding you back from getting involved, there’s no need to worry!

What did you learn?

At the annual Laidlaw Scholars conference, held at Leeds University this year, I challenged myself to present my research. Even though I’m pretty sure my voice was shaking, it was incredibly rewarding when someone came up to me and shared my passion.

While I initially approached this programme wanting to make as many connections as possible. It was those smaller interactions—finding people with the same drive for change—that truly connected me with others who care about the things I do.

My biggest lesson was that no matter how overwhelming or unfamiliar an environment may feel, there will always be people around who want change. Realising that there are others to support you lightens the fear and burden of taking the first step.

How will this help you in future? 

I chose Materials Science because I believe it’s where I can make the most impact. Whether it’s in climate, sustainability, or everyday life, materials play such an essential role that by working in this field, I feel I can help improve lives, even in small, indirect ways.

It’s a huge plus that my department is so supportive of students stepping out and exploring new possibilities. Next year, I hope to establish a small organisation in my local community in Bangladesh to support women who don’t have access to these same opportunities. I’m currently interviewing young women and girls in schools to understand the obstacles they face and explore ways I might help. It won’t be easy, but I’ll have support when I need it.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying to the Laidlaw Scholars Programme?

I would, without a doubt—one million percent—recommend applying. If you’re driven to make a change, this is the perfect opportunity to do. Even if you’re unsure what you want to research or how you can make an impact, just pick something that interests you and run with it. The Laidlaw coordinators are incredibly flexible, so you can always adjust your topic along the way.

If you’re worried about someone constantly looming over your shoulder, pushing you to work, don’t be. This project is highly independent—you set your own hours and manage your own pace.

Applications for the next cohort of LaidLaw scholars opens on Monday 25 November 2024. Find out more about The Laidlaw Scholars Leadership and Research Programme.

Read Laidlaw Scholars Spotlight: Anica shares more about her project and experience in full

Dr Siyang Wang is an Imperial College Research Fellow in the Department of Materials. His research investigates how and why materials used in energy applications fall apart. This research includes materials used in nuclear power and batteries and could help avoid catastrophic accidents, like those at Chornobyl and Fukushima, and extend the life of everyday items, such as lithium-ion batteries. In this new blog post, he shares more about his research, why it’s important and how this research could make an impact.

What inspired you to become a Materials Scientist?

I enjoyed Physics at school, so when it came to choosing a university course, I wondered how I could continue studying what I was interested in, while also having the opportunity to work on something directly useful in daily life. Materials science became the answer.

How would you explain your research to someone outside the field?

I mainly work to understand why and how materials used in energy applications (such as nuclear power and batteries) fall apart, so we can prevent them from failing. This research could help avoid catastrophic accidents, like those at Chornobyl and Fukushima, and extend the life of everyday items, such as lithium-ion batteries.

Why did you study this area and why is it important?

Preventing materials from failing is crucial for safety and cost savings. My undergraduate university, Xi’an Jiaotong University, has a strong tradition in materials mechanics research in China. This influenced my decision to specialise in this field. Imperial also has strong expertise in this area, so I continued to work in this area in the Department of Materials.

How could this research make an impact?

My current research aims to contribute to achieving net zero emissions. By proving that the materials used in nuclear power plants are durable and safe, we can promote the development of nuclear energy and reduce CO₂ emissions from electricity generation. Similarly, if batteries last longer by reducing internal mechanical degradation, it would lower living costs and enhance their effectiveness for renewable energy storage and grid stabilisation.

Who do you collaborate with at Imperial and beyond?

I work mainly on the micrometre scale (1/1,000 of a millimetre), which is useful but sometimes not detailed enough. Therefore, I collaborate with experts who can examine individual atoms, such as Dr. Catriona McGilvery, Research Facility Manager and Di Wang, Research Postgraduate and soon to be Dr!

Beyond Imperial, I have worked with collaborators in the UK (Oxford and KCL), Germany (Max Planck Institute for Iron Research), Sweden (Linköping University), and Switzerland (Empa). You can read our collaborative work with Dr Aaron Leblanc from King’s College London on the fine-scale structure and chemistry of Komodo dragon teeth in Nature Ecology and Evolution.

If you are dealing with a mechanical degradation issue in materials and want to understand and resolve it, why not get in touch?

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

As an experimentalist, I enjoy the mix of daily lab work, which involves a lot of technological considerations to ensure scientific rigor, and data analysis which tests your ability to apply and expand existing knowledge. I also enjoy learning new techniques, training students, and writing and reviewing papers. These varied activities make it hard to get bored.

What do you enjoy outside of research?

I travel a fair bit (when I’m allowed to). I went to Qatar and the UAE earlier this year, and it was interesting to find out the similarities in local food, markets and lifestyle to Xi’an, the place I grew up in China. Discovering these connections, likely due to historical links via the Silk Road, was fascinating.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m actually allergic to chicken and eggs!

Read Fellow Spotlight: Dr Siyang Wang on improving energy materials for a net zero future in full