The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) is embarking on a new initiative to strengthen collaboration across the UK’s energy research community, with the launch of a series of Researcher Roadshows.

These roadshows will bring together researchers from across ERA’s partner institutions, along with industry representatives and policymakers, to explore pressing issues in energy research and innovation.

Covering topics including bioenergy, battery technologies, hydrogen, nuclear, the built environment, energy storage and more, the events will create new opportunities to share expertise, identify skills needs, and spark collaborations that can lead to future funding bids.

First Stop: Bioenergy at Aston

The first roadshow in the series will take place at the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), at Aston University on 11 September and will focus on bioenergy – an area where ERA and its partners are making significant contributions to the UK’s net-zero ambitions.

The day will begin with a welcome from Professor Mike Caine, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research and Enterprise at Aston University, and an introduction to ERA’s mission from Nick King, ERA’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

A showcase session will highlight some of the cutting-edge bioenergy research being carried out at Aston’s European Bioenergy Research Institute (EBRI). This will include an overview of EBRI’s research and facilities, insights from the Biochar Cleantech Accelerator Project, and a look at how policy research is helping to turn academic findings into real-world impact.

Building Networks and Sharing Expertise

One of the central aims of the roadshow series is to help researchers make connections that lead to meaningful collaboration. During the working lunch session, participants will take part in an interactive discussion led by Amanda Baxendale, ERA’s Senior Business Development Manager.

Topics will include how to build stronger research networks, opportunities for equipment sharing, the skills needed to support the future of the bioenergy sector, and the challenges researchers currently face. The session will conclude with a summary of next steps and ideas for collaborative projects that can be taken forward.

Afternoon Insights and Tours

Following lunch, Miloud Ouadi from the University of Birmingham will present his work on Birmingham’s waste problem and future directions, opening up further discussion about local and national challenges in waste management and bioenergy solutions.

The event will conclude with networking opportunities and a tour of Aston’s new Wolfson Low-Carbon Centre, Industrial Lab, and Analytical Labs – giving participants the chance to see some of the facilities that are driving innovation in low-carbon energy.

“These roadshows are all about connecting people and ideas,” said Nick king from ERA. “By bringing researchers together in person, we can help break down silos, highlight the incredible work being done across our network, and create new opportunities for collaboration that will have a real impact on the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system.”

Get Involved

The Bioenergy Roadshow is open to all researchers, postgraduate students and research/business development specialists across the ERA university partnership (and BGS), who are interested in bioenergy and its applications.

Date: Thursday 11 September
Location: Aston University
Registration: ERA Researcher Roadshow – Bioenergy Focus (Eventbrite)

Further roadshows on battery technologies, hydrogen, nuclear, and other topics will be scheduled soon. Researchers who would like to receive updates about future events are invited to contact Nick King at Nick.King@era.ac.uk