A major new academic centre to develop the next generation of scientists specialising in condensed matter physics is to open at the University of Bristol.
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) is among 22 across the UK aimed at boosting postgraduate training in a wide range of engineering and scientific fields announced today by the Chancellor George Osborne.
The Bristol centre – the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Condensed Matter Physics – has received £4.1m funding from the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) which it will share with the University of Bath.
It will train around 55 PhD students over the next eight years and brings together leading researchers from both universities, with highly-complementary expertise covering most areas of frontier research in condensed matter physics.
Research themes to be covered will address some fundamental questions in science such as the physics of superconductors, novel magnetic materials, single atomic layer crystals, plasmonic structures and metamaterials, as well as more applied topics in power electronics, optoelectronics and sensor development.
Professor Stephen Hayden of Bristol’s School of Physics said: “This funding will allow us to train the next generation of scientists in this exciting field together with our industrial and large facility partners. At the same time we will carry out some cutting-edge research.”
Launching the CDTs today Mr Osborne said: “A forward-looking, modern industrial strategy is part of our long term economic plan to deliver security, jobs and growth to all parts of the UK. Our £500m investment in Centres for Doctoral Training will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, ensuring Britain leads the world in high-tech research and manufacturing.”
