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.
Scheduled to operate from October 2025 through March 2026, the enrichment period is designed to complement institutional PhD training. Subject to funding
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:
Be registered full-time in a battery-relevant PhD programme at a UK university.
Have initiated or plan to begin their PhD in January 2025 or later, and be in post by 31 October 2025.
Possess a proven academic track record, a clear commitment to professional growth, and an active interest in enhancing their doctoral experience.
Demonstrate a strong thematic connection between their research and the Faraday Institution’s priority areas.
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:
Fundamentals of battery science and electrochemical storage
Research methods and data analytics
Communication and presentation proficiency
Time and project management
Academic writing and proposal drafting
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:
Guided visits to major companies, including Formula E teams and Fortescue Zero
Insight into industrial R&D practices
Opportunities for professional relationship-building
This component helps bridge academic knowledge with practical applications and commercialisation pathways.
3. Cohort Integration and National Research Community
With over 500 researchers having taken part in earlier cohorts, the programme fosters a strong collaborative spirit through:
Online and in-person interactions
Institutional cross-collaboration
Peer learning and mentoring opportunities
This shared network enriches the academic journey and promotes interdisciplinary teamwork.
4. STEM Outreach and Communication
Fellows will undergo training to become STEM ambassadors, equipping them with the tools to communicate science to broader audiences. Through outreach efforts such as the Fully Charged Battery Box initiative, participants will:
Interact with schoolchildren and educators
Engage in public exhibitions and events
Advance science literacy and awareness
This experience boosts public engagement skills and supports national STEM advocacy.
5. Internships and Embedded Research Opportunities
The Faraday Institution collaborates with industry partners to provide:
Funded internships aligned with research timelines
Embedded studentships offering hands-on experience
Recent collaborations with companies like Agratas have opened new pathways for industrial integration within doctoral projects.
Long-Term Impact and Alumni Success
Career Outcomes for Graduates
Past participants have advanced into a variety of impactful roles, including:
Postdoctoral research positions
Technical roles in clean energy and automotive sectors
Battery consulting and analysis
Founders of energy-related start-ups
Strengthening UK Research Capacity
The programme plays a vital role in developing a skilled talent pool capable of supporting the UK’s ambitions in clean energy, battery manufacturing, and achieving Net Zero targets.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
With more than 100 trained researchers contributing to a cohesive ecosystem, the scheme promotes:
Cross-sector collaboration
Long-term knowledge sharing
National innovation capacity
How to Apply
To submit an application:
Register or sign in to the Faraday Institution Application Portal.
Complete the form and upload supporting documents by 21 July 2025, 23:59 BST.
Include a letter of recommendation from your PhD supervisor.
Be available to begin the enrichment scheme in October 2025.
For further assistance, applicants should refer to the contact options provided on the Faraday Institution website.
Why You Should Apply
The Faraday PhD Enrichment Scheme offers participants more than academic training; it delivers a foundation for long-term success:
Professional Value: Receive career-focused development equivalent to over £5,000.
Industry Access: Build strategic connections across the battery and energy sectors.
Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse, interdisciplinary network of peers and mentors.
Societal Relevance: Contribute to clean energy innovation and national sustainability goals.
Summary and Final Remarks
The Faraday Institution PhD Enrichment Scheme (Cohort 8) is a high-impact, fully-funded programme tailored for early-stage researchers seeking to expand their technical skills, enhance industry understanding, and become contributors to the UK’s energy future. With a closing date of 21 July 2025, applicants are advised to begin preparations early to ensure a complete and compelling submission.
Quick Highlights
Feature | Details |
Program Name | Faraday Institution PhD Enrichment Scheme (Cohort 8) |
Host Country / Region | United Kingdom |
Funded By | The Faraday Institution |
Duration | 6 Months (October 2025 – March 2026), with possible extension |
Study Mode | Full-time (in-person enrichment alongside PhD studies) |
Eligibility | UK-based PhD researchers (January 2025 onward); up to 30% international slots |
Financial Support | Fully funded training (worth over £5,000), potential internships, travel |
Fields of Study | Battery Science, Energy Storage, Electrochemistry, Clean Energy |
Application Deadline | 07/21/2025 |
Citation: Application Portal – Faraday Institution. https://faradayinstitution.flexigrant.com
FAQs
It is a UK-based training program offering advanced research skills and industry exposure to battery-focused PhD students.
PhD students in UK universities, working in battery research and starting from January onward, are eligible to apply.
Yes, up to 30% of selected candidates may be international students studying at UK institutions.
The program typically runs for six months from October to March, with potential extensions.
