Powering Britain's
Battery Revolution
Powering Britain's
Battery Revolution
In the summer of 2025, 47 undergraduate students took part in the Faraday Undergraduate Summer Experience (FUSE), which consists of an 8-week paid placement in a university or start-up. This year, over 1,200 people applied for an internship, the most ever, demonstrating the scheme’s popularity.
Dr Juliane Fiates with FUSE student Pheobe Goodrich.
For this, the eighth year of FUSE, the interns were hosted across 9 universities, one research technology organisation and two start-ups. We thank all FUSE supervisors who invest time and expertise in mentoring the interns, ensuring they maximise both their project contributions and personal development.
FUSE aims to engage undergraduates interested in battery research in real-life projects, while developing hands-on research skills. Interns gain exposure to a professional research environment and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. Many interns proceed to battery careers or PhDs 35 of 162 known alumni from 2018 to 2022 are known to have gone on to pursue a PhD in batteries or renewables. 31% of Cohort 7 PhDs previously completed a FUSE internship, demonstrating its effectiveness as a feeder programme.
Alongside the research, time is set aside for widening knowledge of the battery sector and possible careers via bi-weekly cohort calls:
For the first time this year, cohort calls were opened to all those that had applied to FUSE but did not secure a place, giving them an opportunity to gain insight into the battery sector. The organisation also partnered with the Henry Royce Institute, that runs a similar internship programme focusing on materials science, to cross-promote webinars and highlight opportunities across both organisations.
2025 FUSE cohort calls are open to the public:
Dr Zachary Hui with FUSE student Na’ila-Miah.
The FUSE internship has given me a lot of unique skills such as using a glovebox, coatings and battery cell making. The internship has inspired me to consider a career in batteries and has me very excited for the future.”
Ewan Cowling – Investigation into blended electrodes for Li-ion batteries – University of Birmingham
My experience at FUSE has been truly unique. Working on a real-world battery research project challenged me to apply my data science skills beyond textbooks. It helped me grow technically and think critically about research in reality.”
Xizhe Xie – Machine learning for Li-ion battery manufacturing process for modelling and optimisation – University of Warwick
I have loved forming relationships with fellow PhDs and post docs in my team. They have shared so much knowledge with me and inspired me to pursue a career/PhD in batteries after my masters.”
Katherine Pengilley – Investigation into water based inks for Li-ion electrodes – University of Birmingham
During my internship I have had the opportunity to learn a wide range of computational tools that have deepened my understanding of computational chemistry, as well as making me better equipped for the future and the world of work. My supervisor has been incredibly supportive and always willing to answer any questions. Overall it has been an enriching experience that I would highly recommend.”
Phoebe Goodrich – Atomistic modelling of electrolyte degradation in batteries – Newcastle University
My FUSE internship has been a very rewarding experience with a loose rein to my direction of research when I wanted it but experienced and decisive help from my supervisor and others in the group when needed. Learning about the research environment has been very helpful and has made me seriously consider a career in academia.”
James List – May the best microstructure win: Computational design of solid state batteries – University of Oxford
As part of the FUSE internship programme, students produce high-quality scientific posters detailing their research. With thanks to our poster judges from PhD researchers in Cohorts 5 and 6, and the final panel of Dr Gabriel Perez (ISIS Neutron and Muon Source), Isolde Marsland (Cohort 6 PhD researcher) and James Nohl (Cohort 3 PhD researcher).
Scientific content and context – Amy Winhammar
The judges commended Amy for presenting research of exceptional clarity and depth. Their work demonstrated strong scientific rigour, with results that showed an excellent alignment between modelling and experimental data. The conclusions were communicated well, offering valuable insight while also highlighting a clear path for future investigation. Amy’s ability to situate their findings within the wider scientific context made the poster both compelling and impactful, and the judges recognised the excellent quality of their contribution.
Being a FUSE intern sparked my interest in the battery sector and allowed me to explore this through fulfilling research in an incredibly constructive environment. I want to say a special thank you to Dr Hrishit Banerjee who made the project super interesting. He was such an amazing and dedicated supervisor throughout my whole time, and I cannot thank him enough.”
Research progress and findings – Muhaimin Fatima
The realisation of Muhaimin’s research project, from synthesis to structural, morphological and electrochemical characterisation, impressed all the judges. Muhaimin used a range of relevant techniques to characterise the synthesised sodium layered cathode material, interpreting results at a high level. Muhaimin effectively explained the experimental approach and discussed results within their scientific context, leading to coherent conclusions and a clear plan for future work.
I had the most amazing time working on sodium-layered materials this summer. The project gave me the chance to develop both my practical research skills, and my understanding of electrochemistry and materials. The insights I gained will stay with me well beyond this internship. I am deeply grateful to my supervisors, Tetiana and Feyza, for being so patient and ensuring I was able to gain as much as possible from the experience.
Visual appeal – Phoebe Goodrich
The judges were unanimously impressed by the production of Phoebe’s poster, which, through the use of informative figures and diagrams, clearly communicated the results of Phoebe’s research into the degradation of commercial and novel electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Throughout the poster, diagrams struck the right balance of complexity and clarity, effectively communicating key scientific concepts and context. Phoebe even included a link to video supporting information of the molecular models, which was greatly appreciated by the judges.
My experience with FUSE has been incredibly rewarding, and I would highly encourage others to get involved. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers and learn a wide range of powerful computational tools that have deepened my understanding of the battery and computational field. A big thank you to my supervisor Juliane Fiates who has been incredibly supportive. It’s been an inspiring and enriching experience and I now feel more confident entering life after my degree.”
Student science communicator – Emily Lu
Emily impressed the judges with a poster that combined clarity, depth, and visual impact. Their diagrams of the cell designs were particularly effective, complementing a clear explanation of the research motivations and findings. The narrative flowed smoothly, with figures and tables reinforcing key points and leading to well-supported conclusions. The inclusion of a thoughtful outline for future work highlighted the potential impact of their study, making their poster excellent.
The FUSE programme is an exceptional experience. In addition to developing valuable technical and scientific communication skills, the placement gave me a unique insight into current battery research at a leading national facility. I am especially grateful to my supervisors, James le Houx and Gabriel Perez, for their consistent support throughout my learning journey, and for always inviting me along to meet members of the battery community across the site.
Posted on October 3, 2025