Superconductivity (Research)

The Superconductivity CDT programme aims to develop knowledge and understanding as well as conduct research in the broad interdisciplinary subject of superconductivity. The subject area is at the forefront of efforts to reduce use of fossil fuels, improve healthcare and develop novel quantum technologies. The training aspects of the CDT will give students holistic knowledge of the various aspects of superconductivity, ranging from the fundamental science, through the development of new materials and the optimisation of existing ones, and to the use of superconductors for applications ranging from magnets for nuclear fusion reactors and magnetic resonance imaging machines, power transmission, and quantum devices such as those uses for quantum computing applications. The programme will draw on knowledge from Physics, Chemistry, Materials science and Engineering. The programme includes training in transferrable skills such as writing and presentations skills, outreach and public engagements, and business and entrepreneurship.

A key aspect of the programme is that it has an emphasis on encouraging students to work together both as a cohort and between different year groups. It contains several specific mechanisms to promote cohort development. These include three cohort-wide residential training weeks distributed over the academic year, an annual conference, cross-cohort group projects and seminars, and shared mentoring. Students will benefit from each other's knowledge and insights, understanding and taking interest in problems outside of their specialism and contributing to each other's progress and training through peer-to-peer learning.