Build Your Own AI Research Tool
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused two-hour session designed to show researchers how AI can support every stage of the research process. This session guides researchers through creating a personalised AI tool. Participants will see how to design a GPT/Gem/Agent for their own topic area, set boundaries and instructions, upload supporting documents, and use it for analysis, synthesis, coding frameworks, admin and writing. It includes examples of how researchers across disciplines are using custom tools.
Requirements:
You will need access to a paid ChatGPT Plus or Pro account in order to build your own Custom GPT, access to Agents in Copilot (check in the lefthand sidebar if Agents is visible in your institutional access), or access to Google’s Gemini (free).
Date and time:
Thursday 5 February 2026, 10:30-12:30, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
Please register your interest via Build Your Own AI Research Tool, 5 February 2026, 10:30-12:30 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

AI for Faster, Smarter Research Workflows
2026-02-06 10:30 - 11:30 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused one-hour session designed to show researchers how AI can support every stage of the research process. This practical session demonstrates how to streamline everyday research tasks with AI. Participants will learn how to use tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to speed up literature reviews, extract insights from documents, explore qualitative or quantitative data, and create first-draft text for papers, reports, and policy briefings. The session focuses on accuracy, transparency, and responsible use.
Date and time:
Friday 6 February 2026, 10:30-11:30, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via AI for Faster, Smarter Research Workflows, 6 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

How to Do Consultancy
2026-02-12 13:00 - 15:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for this practical workshop is designed for researchers who are curious about consultancy but are unsure where to start. It demystifies what consultancy actually involves and how academic skills translate into paid advisory, research and evaluation work beyond the university.
Participants will explore different consultancy models, how to position their expertise for non-academic clients, and the practical realities of finding work, pricing, and managing projects. The session also covers common pitfalls for first-time consultants. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clearer sense of whether consultancy is right for them and a realistic, actionable starting point for moving from academic expertise to external consultancy work.
Date and time:
Thursday 12 February 2026, 13:00-15:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via How to Do Consultancy: 12 February 2026, 13:00-15:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Event Planning for Public Engagement
2026-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session exploring the practical elements of planning accessible, inclusive, and engaging experiences for the public.
This session will guide you through the essentials of event design, including:

Creating compelling titles and promotional copy
Building realistic timelines
Managing risks effectively
Working collaboratively with partners

You’ll leave with a clear, actionable framework to turn your ideas into successful public events.

Date and time:
Friday 13 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Event Planning for Public Engagement: 13 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Online Writing Retreat for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students
2026-02-18 13:00 - 16:30 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) in a quiet, structured space for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to focus on their writing. The session is designed to give participants protected time to work on their own projects, with light structure and peer presence to support focus and momentum.
Participants are welcome to work on any form of academic writing, including journal articles, thesis chapters, grant applications, reports, or other research outputs. If you have been meaning to make progress on something but haven’t had the space, this is a chance to step back and write.
What the session will involve
The retreat will include:

A short welcome and goal setting at the start

Several extended writing blocks

Short breaks between writing sessions

A check-in towards the end to reflect on progress and next steps

Who is this for
This session is open to:

Postdoctoral researchers

PhD students at any stage

You do not need to have a finished draft. The retreat is suitable whether you are starting, revising, or trying to move a stalled piece of writing forward.
Why attend
Many researchers find it difficult to protect time for writing during busy working weeks. This retreat provides:

Dedicated writing time

A clear structure to support focus

A shared space with other researchers working quietly alongside you

Access and joining
The event will take place online via Zoom. Registered participants will receive joining details in advance. Participants will be expected to bring a writing project to work on. To register for this event please visit Online Writing Retreat for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students, 18 February 2026, 13:00 – 16:30 – C-DICE and follow the ‘Book Online’ link.

Researchers on TikTok: Creating, filming and editing short form video content
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for an engaging session exploring how TikTok and short-form video can be powerful tools to share research, grow audiences, and amplify ideas.

TikTok has evolved far beyond pet videos and dance trends—it now hosts a thriving community of researchers sharing active research content. In this session, you’ll learn:

How to plan, film, and edit short videos
Tips for producing high-quality content easily and cost-effectively
Strategies to make your research engaging and accessible through video

By the end, you’ll have practical skills to create impactful videos that connect with wider audiences.

Date and time:

Thursday 19 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Researchers on TikTok: Creating, filming and editing short form video content, 19 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Dealing with Evaluation Data
2026-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session designed to help you work confidently with evaluation data and turn it into powerful stories of impact in a Net-Zero context.
In this workshop, you’ll discover:

What types of data to collect and how to design robust questions
Approaches for processing qualitative data effectively
How to present evidence in clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate meaningful change

By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to capture, process, and report evaluation data that showcases the real impact of your projects.

Date and time:

Friday 20 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Dealing with Evaluation Data: 20 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

How to Use LinkedIn as a Researcher
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session that will transform how you view LinkedIn as a career tool.
In this hands-on workshop, Dr Naomi Tyrrell – researcher, evaluator, and career coach for academics – will show you how LinkedIn can become one of your most valuable resources, whether you’re staying in academia or exploring new professional paths.

You’ll learn:

How to create a compelling and credible profile that reflects your expertise
Practical ways to build meaningful connections and grow your professional network
How to use LinkedIn strategically for research visibility, collaboration, and career opportunities
Why LinkedIn matters for researchers now more than ever – even if others say it’s not the right platform!

This isn’t just theory – you’ll see real examples of how researchers have used LinkedIn to attract collaborations, consultancy work, guest speaker appearances, and job offers.
Date and time:
Thursday 26 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via How to Use LinkedIn as a Researcher: 26 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

FutureProof Your Research Career
2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session drawing on Naomi’s LEAP and FutureProof Programmes.
In this career-focused workshop, participants will:

Take stock of core strengths and transferable skills
Understand the changing research landscape
Explore a wide range of career paths in universities, policy, charities, consulting, and industry
Learn how to use AI to support job searching
Translate academic experience for non-academic roles and prepare for interviews

By the end of the session, you’ll have practical strategies to future-proof your career and confidently navigate opportunities within and beyond academia.
Date and time:
Thursday 4 March 2026, 13:00-15:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via FutureProof Your Research Career: 4 March 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm– C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

How to Develop ‘Real-World’ Impact with Academic Research
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for this focused workshop that explores how you can ensure your academic research has a positive impact beyond academia. I discuss the stages involved in developing a real-world impact strategy, starting with knowledge exchange and leading onto measurable societal benefits. Using practical examples from a range of social science, arts and humanities projects across multiple disciplines, including net-zero that I have led, I show you how to focus and build your network so that your strategy achieves maximum impact! I highlight the skills needed for navigating research cultures within and beyond academia, exploring what is similar and what is different, and why these differences matter. By the end of the session, you will be confident in creating an impact plan for your research project and be clear on how to build your alt-ac network.
Date and time:
Friday 6 March 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via How to Develop ‘Real-World’ Impact with Academic Research: 6 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Exploring alternatives to academic careers
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | On-line via Zoom
If you’re a postdoctoral researcher or final-stage PhD student, you are likely already aware that academic pathways can be competitive and unpredictable. With around 75% of PhD graduates building careers beyond academia, it is more important than ever to understand the wide range of opportunities available.
This C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) workshop will help you explore diverse career paths outside traditional academic roles, offering practical insights, clarity, and confidence as you navigate your next steps, whether inside or outside academia.

Date and time:
Thursday 12 March 2026, 10:00-11:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Exploring alternative to academic careers: 12 March 2026, 10:00-11:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Lasting Impression: A Quick Guide to Creating Interesting, Memorable and Engaging Presentations
2026-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session designed to help you deliver presentations that truly stand out.

Discover how to give the most engaging, interesting, and memorable presentations possible. This workshop will guide you through the secrets of creating a standout presentation—from design to delivery. Learn how to banish nerves, build confidence, and craft a compelling narrative around even the most complex topics.
By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to make your presentations impactful and unforgettable.

Date and time:
Friday 13 March 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Lasting Impression: A Quick Guide to Creating Interesting, Memorable and Engaging Presentations: 13 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Integrating Gender Equity and Inclusive Practices for Just and Sustainable Energy Transitions
2026-04-09 09:30 - 16:30 | Martin Hall, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, United Kingdom
📅 09 April 2026, 9.30-16:30
📍 Martin Hall, Loughborough University
Workshop Overview
Energy transitions are not neutral. Without deliberate design, they risk reproducing inequalities across gender, disability, poverty, displacement, age, and geography. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools to:

Identify how transition pathways can generate or reduce inequities
Integrate inclusive design principles into research and policy
Develop justice-based interventions for energy systems
Critically assess governance, finance, and infrastructure decisions
Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and proposal development

The workshop combines brainstorming sessions, scenario-based group work, and peer critique. Participants will work through real-world cases and leave with transferable methods applicable to their own research.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the session, participants will:

Understand how energy transitions intersect with social inequalities
Apply structured tools for inclusive energy design
Develop confidence in integrating equity into funding proposals
Build peer networks across disciplines
Strengthen impact pathways for research

Who Is This For?
This workshop is designed for:

Early Career Researchers (PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows)
Researchers working on energy, climate, net zero, infrastructure, development, or urban transitions
Those interested in gender equity, social inclusion, and justice in energy systems
Scholars seeking practical tools to strengthen funding proposals, impact design, and policy engagement

We particularly encourage applications from researchers from underrepresented and minoritised groups.
How to Apply
Complete the short registration form via this Registration link

Application deadline: 15 March 2026
Successful applicants notified by: 18 March 2026

The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required as places are limited. We can contribute up to £70-100 towards travel and caring support to reduce barriers to participation.

For further information and enquiry, please contact:
Organisers

Dr Serena Saligari
s.saligari@lboro.ac.uk

Dr Serena Saligari
Dr Rihab Khalid
Dr Samir Thapa

Funded by the ERA C-DICE Community Fund and supported by Loughborough University

Online Writing Retreat series for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students (April - July 2026)
2026-04-13 13:30 - 15:30 | On-line via MS Teams
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA)  in a quiet, structured space for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to focus on your writing. This series of four writing retreats are designed to give you protected time to work on your own projects, benefitting from peer presence to support focus and momentum.

You can register for as many of the sessions as you like.

Monday 13 April, 13.30 – 15.30
Monday 11 May, 13.30 – 15.30
Monday 8 June, 13.30 – 15.30
Monday 13 July, 13.30 – 15.30

You are welcome to work on any form of academic writing, including journal articles, thesis chapters, grant applications, reports, or other research outputs. If you have been meaning to make progress on something but haven’t had the space, this is a chance to step back and write.
Why attend
Many researchers find it difficult to protect time for writing during busy working weeks. This retreat provides:

Dedicated writing time – at least 90 minutes (plus optional break half way through)
A clear structure to support focus, including brief welcome, informal goal setting and brief progress reflection
A shared space with other researchers working quietly alongside you

Who is this for
This session is open to:

PhD students at any stage
Postdoctoral researchers

You do not need to have a finished draft. The retreat is suitable whether you are starting, revising, or trying to move a stalled piece of writing forward.
Access and joining
The event will take place online via MS Teams. Registered participants will receive joining details in advance. You will be expected to bring a writing project to work on.

The net zero debate: Advancing AI-driven “digital brains” through cross-disciplinary leadership
2026-05-07 09:30 - 15:30 | Cranfield University, College Road, Wharley End, Bedford, MK43 0AL, United Kingdom
The transition to Net Zero has exposed a critical skills gap: the need to integrate AI-driven “Digital Brains” with multi-sector energy fields. Funded by the ERA C-DICE Community Fund and supported by Cranfield University, this in-person ECR event will support attendees to develop cross-disciplinary expertise linking engineering, data science, economics and policy. Providing you with the skills to integrate your research with AI ‘Digital Brains’.
In this event, you will engage in:

Expert Insights: High‑level multidisciplinary seminars on energy, AI, techno‑economics and policy for Net Zero.
Technical Showcases: AI digital twin demos and visits to ocean, hydrogen and solar facilities.
Leadership Simulation: Take part in a “Consensus Debate” to identify barriers and co‑create bankable Net Zero roadmaps.
Recognition: Top teams in the debate will receive certificates and prizes.

Key note speakers

Dr Qing Qin, Research Fellow in Actuation and Control Systems for Hydrogen Aerospace Applications
Dr Joao Bento, Research Fellow in Additive Manufacturing, Welding and Additive Manufacturing Centre
Dr Weizhao Huang, Research Fellow in Hydrogen Economics Modelling
Dr Siqi Wang, Research Fellow in Chemical Engineering
Dr Sandun Dissanayake, Research Fellow in Thermochemical Processes
Dr Danlei Yang, Research Fellow in Energy Systems

This is a free event with lunch and refreshments provided. Accessibility support, including travel or caring costs, may be available. In‑person participation is limited to 50 places on a first‑come, first‑served basis, while online attendance is unlimited.
If your registration is successful, you will receive an email confirming your place at the workshop.
Registration deadline: 23rd April 2026.

Online Writing Retreat series for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students (April – July 2026)
2026-05-11 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-06-08 13:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-13 13:30 - 15:30 | On-line via MS Teams

How to optimise Copilot as a researcher
2026-05-19 10:00 - 12:00 | On-line via MS Teams
Join Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) and C-DICE for a two-hour online workshop designed for researchers who already understand the basics of AI and are ready to unlock Copilot’s full potential. Learn how to tailor Copilot to your specific research context – saving time, improving quality, and boosting confidence in your outputs.
Discover

How to use Copilot for optimised analysis, summarising, synthesis and idea development
Practical prompt crafting techniques to generate clearer, more accurate and relevant results
Ways to customise Copilot for academic, applied and evaluation focused research
How to navigate real world ethical, data handling and transparency considerations when working with AI

Receive:

Workshop slides and notes
Customisable prompt templates
Recommended AI Tools list

About the presenter:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
This event is open to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from ERA partners and final-stage doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers from UK universities (non-ERA partners).
This event is now oversubscribed, you may still register but you will be placed on a reserve list for the event in case places become available.
Booking Link: How to Optimise Copilot as a Researcher – Fill out form , contact n.p.radford@lboro.ac.uk
ERA will contact you by email if they need further information or if they are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School 2026
2026-06-15 09:30 - 2026-06-18 16:30
BDSS 2026 “Accelerating Energy Transition towards Net Zero” is a 4-day event from 15 – 18 June, aiming to bring early career researchers and engineers to work together on a technical solution and business model for a real-world Energy Transition challenge, proposed by our lead industrial partner, GE Vernova. Participants will have two days of workshops (technical presentations and soft skill training) with some opportunities of working in groups to develop their technical solution and business model, and then pitch to a judging panel mainly formed by industry experts on the final day.
BDSS provides all participants with opportunities to work in groups on a real-world Energy Transition challenge. This will train the participants to consider both technical and economic aspects when they formulate solutions to real-world challenges to achieve Net Zero. By collaborating with researchers from other areas such as business and engineers from industry utility, participants are expected to develop their interdisciplinary research capability, practical engineering problem-solving ability, and networking. The collaboration between academic researchers and industry engineers can also benefit each other in developing their skills for transitioning to industry and leading research projects collaborating with university partners, respectively. Also, networking with keynote speakers will facilitate the early career development of all participants. Moreover, summer school participants will have the chance to take part in an interdisciplinary research on how to present to industry stakeholders more effectively.
This event is open to all postgraduate students, early career researchers and engineers from academia and industry, who are working in Net-Zero related disciplines in the UK.
How you will benefit from BDSS
Take this great opportunity to join us to:

Gain awareness of what the real challenges are of the Energy Transition towards net-zero
Meet world-class experts in net-zero from industry and academia
Work collaboratively with other researchers on a real-world net-zero challenge
Pitch to a judge panel and win £500 prize (Amazon voucher or similar, for the winner group)
Learn about how to present to industry stakeholders more effectively

This event is sponsored by the ERA / C-DICE Community Fund ’25-26, and there are five free places for doctoral researchers from ERA partners available on a first come, first served basis. Attendance at the event for attendees from ERA partners may be supported by our Travel and Carer Support Fund, for details please contact Dr Neil Radford, n.p,radford@lboro.ac.uk.
To register for the event please follow the link to the BDSS webpage: Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School 2026 – University of Birmingham

ERA Doctoral Showcase @ ERA UK Energy Innovation Expo'26
2026-06-16 | Vaillant Live, Derby, DE1 1LA, United Kingdom
The ERA Doctoral Showcase provides an opportunity for PhD or EngD researchers from ERA partners to present their research to the wide range of experts, researchers, industry specialists and government representatives attending the ERA Energy Innovation Expo’26 on 16th June 2026 at Vaillant Live, Derby. Around 10 doctoral researchers will be chosen to give lightening presentations (3 minutes, 3 slides consisting of one title slide and 2 content slides), on the main stage of the conference. Our aim is to showcase the brilliant energy and net-zero research taking place across the ERA partnership.
Presenters will receive coaching and support for their presentation through a workshop, 1:1 mentoring and live rehearsal time provided by the ERA Skills team.
To express your interest in presenting at the ERA Energy Innovation Expo ’26 Doctoral Showcase, you are invited to fill in the following simple on-line form: ERA Energy Innovation Expo’26 – Doctoral Showcase – Fill out form .
Expressions of Interest must be submitted by: 12 noon, Monday 23rd March 2026.
Eligible applicants will then be contacted and asked to provide their presentations slides. Final choices for presenters will be based on the submitted slides.
Further information on East Midlands Tech Week, of which the ERA Energy Innovation Expo’26 forms part, can be found at: East Mids Tech Week | Explore, Connect, Innovate Today
The call for expressions of interest is open, and I really hope that you will consider taking up the opportunity to showcase your research to this conference. Conference attendance is free and there may be some financial support available to presenters where the cost of travel or caring responsibilities e.g. childcare are a barrier to attendance (subject to separate application).

UK Energy Innovation Expo 2026
2026-06-16 08:00 - 16:30 | Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby, DE1 1LA, United Kingdom
EXPO Countdown:0000Days00Hrs00Min00SecBook your free ticketJoin us for Energy Tech Day at East Mids Tech WeekThe UK Energy Innovation Expo at Vaillant Live, Derby is hosted by the Energy Research Accelerator in partnership with East Mids Tech Week.
The event brings together leading experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the future of energy.
This major summer event will showcase the very latest in energy innovation, research, and technology through a packed day of events with insights and sessions on hydrogen, nuclear, battery technologies, energy storage, bioenergy, Al in energy and much more.
The Energy Research Accelerator is the largest UK research network dedicated to solving and accelerating energy solutions to tackle today’s real-world challenges.
What’s happening at this event
Presentations and panels with insights from energy industry leaders and experts
High tech theatre show with energy tech global thought leaders panels on the ingenuity stage
Expos with leading energy brands and ERA partners
Discover new technology and cutting-edge demonstrators in the exhibition hall
Multiple strategic themes discussed by many of the regional sector leaders
Network with industry leaders
Meet the energy tech innovators at their pods
Deep dive workshops designed to support your energy network growth and business opportunity

See the agenda below, and discover how you can be part of the conversation shaping the UK’s energy landscape and global markets.
The venue, how to get there and parking For parking and all travel options please see the Vaillant Live website: https://vaillantlive.co.uk/venue-info/getting-here/
Live agenda – watch this space for the latest additions

Time
Event & Location

08.00 – 09.30
Doors open for registration, networking and refreshments

9.30 – 9.40
Welcome and Introduction
Zion Lights, Stage Host
Louise Holland, Founder, EMTW

9.40 – 10.00
ERA’s role in the net-zero challenge
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation, Loughborough University

10.00 – 10.15
The role of Innovation in solving today’s Energy Challenges
Richard Halsey, Innovation Director, Energy Systems Catapult

10.15 – 10.30
East Midlands green growth plan
Michael Gallagher, Director of Climate Resilience, EMCCA

10.30 – 11.20
Chair: Zion Lights
Panelists

Matt Barney,
Chief Hydrogen Business Officer, GeoPura
Rob Dorrell,
Professor of Fluid Mechanics, Loughborough University
Michael Gallagher,
Director of Climate Resilience and Green Growth, East Midlands Combined County Authority
Kelly Manders, Regional Development Manager, Cadent
Sara Walker, Professor of Energy, Director, Birmingham Energy Institute and HI-ACT

11.20 – 11.45
Refreshment break, networking and exhibition stands

11.45 – 13.00
Workshop Sessions

11.45 – 13.00
Workshop session 1 – Main Expo Hall
The Future of Nuclear in the UK
Panel Chair
Zion Lights
Panelists

Arun Bhattacharya,
Professor in Fusion Energy, University of Birmingham
Rachael Glaving,
Commercial Director, EDF Energy
Gary Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Infinity
Debbie Kempton, Director of Engineering, UK Nuclear Fusion

11.45 – 13.00
Workshop session 2 – Meeting Room (1st Floor)
Hydrogen: Building a Future‑Ready Hydrogen Economy
Facilitated by Professor Sonya Calnan, Loughborough University, Dr Amiripran Amiri, Aston University and Ed Hough, British Geological Survey

11.45 – 13.00
Workshop session 3 – Meeting Room (1st Floor)
Energy Policy and the Midlands
Facilitated by Dr Huw Edwards, Loughborough University, Matthew Rhodes, CEO of Camirus and Dr Arman Mazhikeyev, now UKRI fellow at DSIT in London,

11.45 – 13.00
Workshop session 4 – Meeting Room (1st Floor)
Medium Duration Energy Storage: The Missing Piece of Net Zero?
Facilitated by Professor Seamus Garvey and Bruno Cardenas, University of Nottingham and Ed Barbour, Loughborough University

13.00 – 14.00
Lunch, networking and exhibition stands

14.00 – 14.20
Keynote speaker
Innovation support and funding
James Silverward, Innovate UK

14.20 – 15.20
Energy Research Accelerator Summer Showcase:
ERA Doctoral Summer Presentations

Saeed Kudran Alharthy, University of Birmingham
Monica Amediavor, Cranfield University
Mandi Anyangwe, Keele University
Lea Gewandt, University of Nottingham
Aqsa Bano Kaim Khani, Loughborough University
Kate O’Neill, Loughborough University
Steffi Shaji, Loughborough University
Alexander Sterling, University of Nottingham
Jubil Kuriakose Thomas, Cranfield University
Jordan Townsend, Loughborough University

15.20 – 16.00
Emerging Energy Technologies
1. Aftrak – Jonathan Wilson, Founder
2. Pipeline Organics – Andrew Raslan, co-founder
3. R3V Tech – Adriano Randi, CEO and co-founder
4. Promethean Particles – Dr Selina Ambrose, Product Manager5. The Thinking Pod Innovations (TTPI) – Liliana De Lillo

16:00 – 16:30
The Future of Energy: The case for optimism
Zion Lights

16.30 -17.00
Networking
