Visit to Leicester Space Park & European Thermodynamics Ltd.

On 29th November 2022, a team from QMUL visited the new Leicester Space Park where we were shown radioisotope thermoelectric generators being developed for space missions. The following day we were hosted by European Thermodynamics Ltd. After some discussions on QMUL & ETL progress on TEG devices and thermoelectric materials, we had a tour of their facilities for materials processing, materials characterisation and module assembly/testing.

Meeting of Minds 2021

Dr Fenwick discussed our results on halide perovskite thermoelectric materials at the Royal Society’s Meeting of Minds conference that brings together Royal Society fellowship holders. The conference aims to celebrate and showcase the full breadth of excellent research of the Society’s Research Fellows as well as creating opportunities for them to meet, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

Quote in Physics World

Dr Fenwick’s work on the Materials for the Energy Transition roadmap was recognised in Physics World. He was quoted saying “The transition to net-zero emissions presents significant opportunities for new materials, and this is particularly the case for thermoelectric technology… The challenge is significant, but the opportunity for the UK in this sector is huge, with 17% of our CO2 emissions coming from space heating and cooling.”

https://physicsworld.com/a/net-zero-carbon-target-in-uk-will-require-national-approach-to-materials-science-says-report/

Dr Trifiletti competes at the MSCA Falling Walls Lab 2020

Falling Walls Lab is an international showcase for the next generation of innovators, pioneers, creators and visionaries. The aim is to promote ideas and connect, globally, academia and business. Twenty MSCA fellows, including Dr Vanira Trifiletti, presented their research topic, innovative project, or idea to an audience of about 800 people. Watch her video entry below:

Dr Fenwick contributes to the UK Material Science community response to the net-zero emissions challenge

In May 2019 the UK Government became the first global economy to set a net zero emissions target for 2050, upgrading the previous target of delivering an 80% cut in emissions.

In response, the Henry Royce Institute for advanced materials, in collaboration with the Institute of Physics (IOP), convened the materials research communities to explore the critical role of novel materials and processes to deliver affordable, reliable and green energy. The output is a series of detailed technology roadmaps that set out how UK materials science can contribute to the UK’s low-carbon energy transition.

Dr Oliver Fenwick (SEMS) was the technical lead for one of the five technology roadmaps:
“The development of new or improved materials underpins most emerging technologies. Accordingly, the transition to net-zero emissions presents significant opportunities for new materials, and this is particularly the case for thermoelectric technology…. The challenge is significant, but the opportunity for the UK in this sector is huge, with 17% of our CO2 emissions coming from space heating and cooling. Breakthroughs in thermoelectrics can be achieved with sustained targeted research funding that addresses skills gaps, develops new advanced tools, and facilitates networking between stake-holders.”

https://www.royce.ac.uk/news/royce-launches-roadmaps-to-help-deliver-net-zero-targets/