HetSys News
HetSys CDT Research Afternoon 2026 Brings Together Students Across All Cohorts
The event provided students with an opportunity to present updates on their current research, reflect on technical and practical challenges encountered during their PhD projects, and exchange ideas with fellow researchers working across a wide range of computational and interdisciplinary fields.
A key focus of the afternoon was encouraging collaboration and open discussion between cohorts, creating a supportive environment where students could explore creative approaches to research challenges and learn from one another鈥檚 experiences. The event also offered valuable opportunities for networking, interdisciplinary discussion, and community building within the CDT.
The Research Afternoon welcomed participation from students across multiple cohorts, including four future members of Cohort 8, who are due to officially join the CDT in October 2026. Their attendance provided an early opportunity to engage with the HetSys research community and gain insight into the breadth of research activity taking place across the programme.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation delivered by Roman, who was awarded Best Talk within his session. Roman presented research focused on atomistic modelling of solid-state electrolytes and sulphur cathode interfaces, discussing his experience working with both foundational and custom Machine-Learned Interatomic Potentials (MLIPs), including active learning approaches and methods for comparing models using geometry optimisations, molecular dynamics, and phonon calculations.
In a memorable moment during the session, a projector issue required Roman to complete part of his presentation without slides — an experience he reflected on as a valuable reminder that effective scientific communication extends beyond visual materials alone. Roman went on to win the best talk prize.
The event showcased the high quality and diversity of research taking place across HetSys CDT and reinforced the importance of creating spaces where students can openly discuss ideas, share challenges, and build interdisciplinary connections.
HetSys CDT would like to thank all students, staff, organisers, and attendees who contributed to making the Research Afternoon such a successful and engaging event.