EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training
in Molecular-Scale Engineering
- a Centre for Nanotechnology
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Centre Vision

The ability to control, manipulate and interrogate complex molecular environments at molecular resolution is an enabling basic technology that can provide powerful new tools to engineer functional integrated organic-inorganic devices. Such devices will enable one to tailor the interfacial interactions that underpin so many applications of everyday relevance from bio-compatibility to catalysis, and of future relevance, such as energy harvesting and personalized healthcare.

The universities of Leeds and Sheffield each have a long-standing proven track record in internationally leading research, and together, in delivering formal collaborative postgraduate training at the highest international level. As such, the new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) will be embedded into an existing critical mass of well-funded research infrastructure and established training provision, providing a rich and stimulating environment for the students.

Aims and Objectives
Our aim was to train a new generation of postgraduate researchers to address and exploit the fundamental basic technology challenges inherent to the control of molecular function at the nanometre scale.

Our students:
• received interdisciplinary training as a critical mass cohort of PhD researchers, from internationally leading researchers and educators;
• were trained in the use of state-of-the-art equipment in fully supported facilities with state-of-the-art infrastructure;
• carry out internationally-leading and societally relevant research, in a broad range of topics;
• were trained to think and work in cross-disciplinary environments, and to apply solutions developed in one discipline to problems identified in another;
• developed the skills necessary to appreciate the pathway from academic innovation to commercial application, position their research to align with this pathway from the start, interact closely with end-users, and receive support from leading experts in technology transfer.