The Faraday Institution PhD Enrichment Scheme, now entering its eighth cohort, stands as a distinguished initiative tailored to support the academic and professional development of PhD students in the United Kingdom whose research is centered on battery science and energy storage technologies. This enrichment programme integrates advanced technical training, direct industry engagement, and community-building activities, providing researchers with essential tools and exposure to thrive across academia, industry, and policy environments within the UK’s rapidly advancing energy sector.
Faraday Institution PhD Enrichment Scheme (Cohort 8): A Transformational Opportunity for UK Battery Researchers. Unlock your research potential with the Faraday Institution PhD Enrichment Scheme (Cohort 8). This fully funded UK-based program empowers battery-focused PhD researchers with world-class training, industry connections, and career-ready skills. Apply by July 21, 2025, to gain exclusive access to workshops, networking, and enrichment opportunities in clean energy innovation.
Overview of the Faraday PhD Enrichment Scheme
This scheme is developed for early-stage PhD students, particularly those commencing their research in or after January 2025. The program targets UK-based doctoral candidates engaged in battery-related studies, offering them access to world-class professional development opportunities, exposure to leading battery industry practices, and a multidisciplinary research network.
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Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to PhD candidates registered at UK academic institutions. While primarily designed for domestic students, up to 30% of places are reserved for international PhD candidates actively pursuing their research within the UK.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Cohort 8 intake, applicants must:
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Be registered full-time in a battery-relevant PhD programme at a UK university.
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Have initiated or plan to begin their PhD in January 2025 or later, and be in post by 31 October 2025.
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Possess a proven academic track record, a clear commitment to professional growth, and an active interest in enhancing their doctoral experience.
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Demonstrate a strong thematic connection between their research and the Faraday Institution’s priority areas.
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Provide supervisor endorsement and pledge full participation in all training and events scheduled.
Preference will be given to applicants associated with active Faraday Institution research projects.
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 21 July 2025, 23:59 BST |
| Outcome Notification | By 1 September 2025 |
| Training Start | October 2025 |
| Training Completion | March 2026 (possible extension) |
All applications must be submitted through the Faraday Institution Application Portal.
What You Will Gain: Programme Benefits
The enrichment scheme offers a broad suite of developmental experiences, aimed at expanding both technical competencies and professional networks. Benefits include:
1. Advanced Training and Workshops
Participants will receive access to a curated series of expert-led sessions covering:
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Fundamentals of battery science and electrochemical storage
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Research methods and data analytics
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Communication and presentation proficiency
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Time and project management
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Academic writing and proposal drafting
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Career planning and negotiation techniques
These workshops are structured to deepen participants’ expertise and help them transition effectively into advanced roles.
2. Industry Engagement and Networking
The scheme provides structured exposure to battery-focused industrial environments, such as:
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Guided visits to major companies, including Formula E teams and Fortescue Zero
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Insight into industrial R&D practices
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Opportunities for professional relationship-building
This component helps bridge academic knowledge with practical applications and commercialisation pathways.
3. Cohort Integration and National Research Community
