Using Faraday Institution Training Budgets for Knowledge and Skills Development

Electrochemistry Summer and Winter School by the University of Bath

Aim of training

• Teaches electrochemistry and EIS theory via workshops and lectures.
• Practical lab workshops using a variety of Biologic potentiostats.
• Covers a wide range of electrochemistry topics including batteries.

Impact from training

• Very useful in teaching how best to use and optimise BioLogic instruments.
• Small group sizes giving everyone enough time to use the instruments.
• Valuable course materials – lecture notes, text books and discussions with course lecturers.
• Greatly improved knowledge of BioLogic potentiostats and influenced analysis and experiments.

A great training course to attend offering both fundamental lectures and hands-on practical work in the labs with lots of opportunities to discuss using the technique for your own research topic with a variety of lecturers/specialists.

Finite Element Analysis (FEM) and Materials Modelling by the Cranfield University

Aim of training

• Develop a basic understanding of FEM and phase field modelling techniques.
• Gain an awareness of how material degradation can be modelled using phase field modelling.
• Be able to operate FEM analysis package (Ansys).
• Understand how FEM can be applied to a range of multiphysics problems (i.e., electrodynamics and thermal expansion, mechanical properties etc.).

Impact from training

• Appreciation for the effectiveness of numerical modelling in predicting various physics phenomena in relation to a material system.
• Formal training received on FEM, building on basic self-taught FEM skills.
• Planning towards projects that incorporate experimentally validated data into numerical models for a range of analysis option.

The training has allowed me to broaden my skill set into an area that I may not have had exposure to in my daily work.”

Advanced Course “Batteries – Basic Principles, Experimental Investigations and Modeling across Scales” by the International Centre for Mechanical Sciences (CISM)

Aim of training

• Understand battery modelling across scales.
• Acknowledge different experimental and modelling approaches.
• Be aware of industry challenges, particularly in modelling.
• Connect with international battery experts.

Delegates at the CISM International Centre for Mechanical Sciences in Udine, Italy.

Impact from training

• The course bridged theory and practice, enhancing understanding of battery development from lab to industry.
• Multi-scale modelling techniques, experimental methods, industry-relevant approaches.
• Contributing to battery modelling discussions with broader expertise.

This course gave an integrated understanding of battery research at different scales and how we can strengthen our cross-disciplinary work.”

WMG-Faraday Battery School by the WMG, University of Warwick

Aim of training

• Theory: 12 engaging lectures covering different battery materials & technologies.
• Practical: 4 hands-on lab sessions.
• Networking dinner & career panel session with representatives from academia and industry.

Jiabin Li in a lab session at the WMG Battery School.

Impact from training

• Seamless combination of academic rigour with practical insights from the battery industry.
• The training broadens one’s perspective on the battery sector beyond the conventional lab-focused topics, providing invaluable guidance for future decision-making.

The school connects academia and industry to power a brighter future.”

Aim of training 

• Familiarised scientists with leadership concepts, methods to identify group/person/project strengths and weaknesses and lead them with tailored styles, with a focus on innovative startup or research projects.
• Provided tools for iterative leadership adjustments according to the needs of people/projects.

Sam’s thoughts on impact from training

• It taught me about the very different leadership styles that are suitable for different people and types of projects (research collaborations, running a startup, running a group within a company).
• It showed me ways to continuously probe the needs of the stakeholders and adjust leadership accordingly, using a set of coaching and mentoring tools.

Thanks to the course, I re-evaluated the way I guide the work of my PhD student and several collaborations. It also gave me bigger confidence in thinking about running a business project I have been considering starting.

PRINCE2® Certification Training Course

Aim of training

• Equips individuals with a structured and flexible project management methodology that can be applied to projects of any size or complexity.
• Focuses on developing skills in planning, managing, and delivering projects efficiently while emphasising governance, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures practitioners can align projects with organisational objectives and stakeholder needs.

PRINCE2® Certification Training Course badge.

Impact from training

• Helps provide a clear, adaptable framework for managing the project effectively, ensuring it’s delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business goals.
• Project planning, risk management, effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and process optimisation.

I am managing projects with a more structured approach, ensuring better risk assessment and clear communication.”

Aim of training

• Recreating a sandpit event: Developing a project proposal and presenting a short pitch to potential funders.

Example presentation slide for the project proposal sandpit.

Virginia’s thoughts on impact from training

• It was useful as it felt like a real sandpit experience (we had only a few hours to develop the idea) and I had the opportunity to work more closely with other ReLiB group members.
• I gained confidence at applying my interdisciplinary technical skills and also my “ soft” to contribute to write a project proposal in an area where a priori did not quite fit withing my area of expertise.
• Since training I think I feel better prepared for attending a sandpit and establish new collaborations.

It was a great teamwork experience that also showed that multidisciplinary collaboration is one of the keys to success.”

Aim of training

• University College London (UCL) recently joined an international collaboration with Ugandan battery company Soleil Power, helping assess whether a novel battery diagnostic method developed at the Electrochemical Innovation Lab could function within the fast-paced realities of in-field use.
• The project offered a rare opportunity to bridge academic research with commercial application while contributing to the growing global effort to improve the sustainability of the battery industry and improving energy access in emerging economies.

Impact from training

• The initiative to explore more efficient battery testing was supported by the CrossBoundary Advisory’s Mini-Grid Innovation Lab, through support from the UK Government via the Transforming Energy Access programme.
• Over six working days in Uganda, Miranda and Shangwei Zhou, a Post Doctoral Research Associate at UCL, tested approximately 2,400 battery cells. Miranda’s travel was enabled via use of her £2,000 yearly Faraday Institution training budget.

Read the case study.