PhD Cohort Destinations

The Faraday Institution PhD training programme is increasing the knowledge skills and aspirations of early career researchers and helping to deliver future industry research and development staffing needs as well as strengthening university research groups working on energy storage.

As of May 2026, three cohorts of Faraday Institution PhD researchers have successfully transitioned to roles in academia, industry, start-ups or policy/analyst roles. 85% have stayed in the battery sector, where they are utilising their specialist energy storage research knowledge and skills. 88% have remained in the UK.

Three PhD researchers have launched start-ups: Polaron, About:Energy and RecoVolt. 31% have moved to other industry roles, 38% have taken academic positions and 17% have taken analyst or policy roles. 7% are still completing their PhD or seeking employment.

Nationally, only 24% of STEM graduates are known to be working in a STEM occupation six months after graduation (National Audit Office 2018).

Watch two recent graduates – Issy Stephens and Arthur Fordham – outline what impact a Faraday Institution PhD has had on them. 

It is incredibly rewarding to witness the positive outcomes of the investment from the Faraday Battery Challenge and the impact of the Faraday Institution training programme, which are directly contributing to solving the skills shortage in the UK’s battery sector. Our PhDs are not only researching groundbreaking science but are also developing essential professional skills, networks, and a broader sector understanding to accelerate their career into the battery sector. I have admiration for these researchers, who are advancing the science that will underpin the electrification of multiple sectors.”
Dom Grantley-Smith, Head of Training and Talent Development, Faraday Institution

First destinations at a glance

Cohort 1

Cohort 2

Cohort 3