FindAPhD > UCL, Molecular Modelling & Materials Science Doctoral Training Centre
The Industrial Doctoral Training Centre in Molecular Modelling & Materials Science
The Industrial Doctorate Centre in Molecular Modelling and Materials Science (MMMS IDC) at University College London welcomed its first students in 2005. The EngD research programme is highly interdisciplinary, with students based in a growing number of UCL science and engineering departments as well as the London Centre of Nanotechnology. Each year, the MMMS IDC funds ten doctoral training studentships in all areas of materials science, where computer modelling plays a significant role. Priority research areas are Energy Materials ; Nano-science for Smart Materials ; and Materials for Bio-medical Applications . The four year EngD programme is targeted at scientists and engineers, who intend to become research leaders in industry, or wish to maintain significant links with industry in an academic career. Each student has a sponsoring company, where they usually spend significant proportions of their research time. In addition to students who are placed with the sponsoring company, existing employees can be seconded to the EngD programme by their sponsor. This secondment makes a doctoral degree much more accessible for senior researchers with established careers and positions. The taught programme covers a broad range of topics, from computer modelling techniques and materials science courses to business development training and professionally accredited project management. Students also have the opportunity to take courses at the London Business School .
The students in the MMMS IDC have a wide variety of backgrounds, ranging from graduates in Chemical and Medicinal Sciences to Physics, Computer Science and Engineering. Most are recent graduates but others already have significant work experience in industry, but find that doctoral research will broaden their expertise and enhance their career prospects. Similarly, the sponsoring companies also span an increasingly wide range of industrial interests in the UK and abroad, from energy providers and catalyst specialists (Exxon Mobil, Johnson Matthey) to glass manufacturers (Pilkington Glass UK, Asahi Glass Japan), computing hardware and software companies (Silicon Graphics, Accelrys Ltd), biomedical implants (Stanmore Implants Worldwide) and national laboratories (Diamond, ISIS; the MET office; Pacific Northwest National Laboratories, USA; and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France).
The following examples give an idea of the range and quality of the research carried out by current students:
Sreelekha Benny and Kemi Otegbade are both sponsored by Johnson Matthey Catalysts to apply computational techniques to investigate the reactivity and selectivity of iron oxide and platinum metal catalysts. Understanding at the atomic level of the chemical and physical processes underlying the catalytic behaviour of these materials will lead to a better and cleaner performance.
Gillian Walters and Kathryn Glaser both work on the development of new glass technologies. Kathryn (sponsored by Asahi Glass, Japan ) is developing computational models to simulate the responses of glass to changes in structure and composition, whereas Gillian (sponsored by Pilkington) uses a combination of experimental and optical modelling techniques to manipulate the properties of float glass for specific applications. The UCL group, led by Ivan Parkin, has played an important role in the development of Pilkington's self-cleaning glass technology, which is now applied worldwide.
Zeynep Kurban is sponsored by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Didcot, UK, which houses the new Diamond Synchrotron Radiation source, where she has been studying hydrogen storage in nano-porous materials for clean and renewable energy applications, whereas Tabitha Arnesen is sponsored by the MET office to incorporate a realistic model for the lower atmosphere into their climate modelling software.
Sreelekha Benny and Kemi Otegbade are both sponsored by Johnson Matthey Catalysts to apply computational techniques to investigate the reactivity and selectivity of iron oxide and platinum metal catalysts. Understanding at the atomic level of the chemical and physical processes underlying the catalytic behaviour of these materials will lead to a better and cleaner performance.
Gillian Walters and Kathryn Glaser both work on the development of new glass technologies. Kathryn (sponsored by Asahi Glass, Japan ) is developing computational models to simulate the responses of glass to changes in structure and composition, whereas Gillian (sponsored by Pilkington) uses a combination of experimental and optical modelling techniques to manipulate the properties of float glass for specific applications. The UCL group, led by Ivan Parkin, has played an important role in the development of Pilkington's self-cleaning glass technology, which is now applied worldwide.
Zeynep Kurban is sponsored by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Didcot, UK, which houses the new Diamond Synchrotron Radiation source, where she has been studying hydrogen storage in nano-porous materials for clean and renewable energy applications, whereas Tabitha Arnesen is sponsored by the MET office to incorporate a realistic model for the lower atmosphere into their climate modelling software.
The EngD MMMS programme has funding from the EPSRC for ten 4-year studentships each year. We still have a few places available to start the course in October 2009. The programme is open to applicants from the UK and EU, who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years preceding their start on the MMMS industrial doctorate programme in order to satisfy the standard UK residency rules. Students receive a tax-free stipend of at least £17,000 per annum, including an annual top-up from the sponsoring company. Companies sponsoring existing employees in secondment to the doctoral training programme receive a subsidy towards the student's salary.
How to Apply
Applications are invited all year round for entry into the MMMS programme. Engineering Doctorates can start at any time, as soon as a project with an industrial sponsor becomes available.
Contact Prof. Nora de Leeuw on n.h.deleeuw@ucl.ac.uk
How to Apply
Applications are invited all year round for entry into the MMMS programme. Engineering Doctorates can start at any time, as soon as a project with an industrial sponsor becomes available.
Contact Prof. Nora de Leeuw on n.h.deleeuw@ucl.ac.uk