Experimental Design Awards 2023-24

 

The STFC Global Challenge Network in Batteries and Electrochemical Energy Devices promotes collaboration between world-class users and developers of large-scale research facilities and provides a forum to draw together researchers from a range of disciplines. To maximise the value of the large-scale investments (particularly in neutron, synchrotron and laser facilities), it is essential to design experiments and in-situ environments that can be effectively integrated into beam lines. This is of particular importance for electrochemical devices, where researchers are striving to explore the response of materials, devices and interfaces to a range of environmental and lifetime conditions.

This grant scheme will provide up to £8,000 for research consumables to aide this process. It is envisaged that in-situ rigs and environments will be developed with input from STFC beam line scientists enabling the transfer of best practice methodologies and technique standardisation to the wider community. Beam lines will retain designs of the ‘rigs’ in order to build up a library of in-situ environments for the user community. Indicative awards are: to support the development of in-situ environments for large-scale facilities research e.g. a fuel cell or battery with X-ray transparency, a high temperature furnace for a beam line, a protective environment for studying air sensitive materials etc.

Applications must be received by the 16th December 2022.

 

01.
Funding may only be used to support Research Consumables Costs (up to £8000) directly associated with the application, small T&C where needed.

02.
Applications must be made using the correct pro-forma provided and most include a cost break down. 

03.
All applications will be judged by the Network steering committee and awards will be made based on scientific merit as well as their contributions to meeting network goals.

04.
Applications only from UK institutions.

05.
Successful applicants will be required to deliver a presentation at the STFC ‘Network’ annual meeting and provide a short report, sharing the design of the experiment and rig with a goal of furthering the progress of work within the network.

06.
All applications must be received by 16th December 2022.

07.
All funds must be allocated and spent by 16th February 2024.

08.
All publications resulting from research work supported by the award must carry suitable acknowledgement.