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Manchester, UK,
06
July
2026
|
14:46
Europe/London
2DMoT students come together for inaugural conference
Students from the first 2DMoT cohort joined members of its predecessor, the graphene NOWNANO CDT, for a three-day conference near Holmes Chapel in Cheshire.
Combining research presentations, expert talks, careers guidance and social activities, the event gave students an introduction to the academic conference experience while creating valuable opportunities to share ideas, learn from more experienced researchers and strengthen connections across the 2D materials community.
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We each gave a flash talk introducing our research projects, which was great practice for presenting to a conference audience and fielding a range of questions. The talks prompted later informal discussions about experimental processes and techniques and it was interesting to hear what everyone has been up to since joining their research groups. Each student from the graphene NOWNANO CDT, who are in their 3rd or 4th year of study, presented on their research.
This gave us the opportunity to learn about the breadth of 2D materials research that is going on in Manchester, from condensed matter and theoretical physics to catalysis and drug delivery systems. It was also great to spend time getting to know those in the later stages of the CDT and hearing about their experiences at the start of their PhD. This was facilitated by the evening social activities, which included a ‘pub’ quiz and boardgame night.
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We were able to make the most of the beautiful weather by taking a walk in the nearby Brereton Heath nature reserve. The hotel grounds also had much to offer; whilst chasing the evening sun, we found a very friendly herd of cows. Watching how they reacted to jazz music was definitely a highlight!
Another highlight of the conference was the series of invited talks from researchers at Lancaster, Manchester and Cambridge. Prof. Edward Laird (Lancaster University) showcased how carbon nanomaterials can be used for precision quantum measurements, discussing carbon nanotube resonators capable of detecting the motion of individual electrons and the development of miniature clocks based on endohedral fullerene molecules. Dr. Nick Clark (University of Manchester) demonstrated how advances in electron microscopy, machine learning and data analysis are enabling atomic-scale investigations of complex 2D material systems, from liquid-cell microscopy to twisted van der Waals interfaces.
Dr. Carla Boix-Constant (University of Cambridge) presented exciting work on engineering interfaces in two-dimensional magnetic heterostructures, illustrating how molecular materials, magnetic interactions and twist angles can be used to tailor electronic and magnetic properties for future spintronic devices.
Together, the talks highlighted the breadth of research being carried out across the 2D materials community.
Tuesday afternoon was a change of pace, with a more interactive careers workshop run by code switch consultants. The focus of this session was to look beyond academia and consider how the skills gained during a PhD can be applied to a wide variety of roles, such as technical consultancy and careers in policy or governance. It was helpful to discuss how in our PhD we are not just building knowledge in a specific area but developing problem-solving skills and a pattern of thinking that can be used in many fields. This was evidenced by the alumni panel, which rounded off the whole conference. 4 graduates of the CDT came to answer our questions and give an insight into their PhD journey and the experiences they have had since. It was encouraging to hear their positive memories of their time in Manchester and see the diverse career paths they pursued post PhD.
Along with advice on time management, networking and job-hunting, the main takeaway was to make the most of every opportunity. It was a fitting end to a successful conference—many thanks to the organisers, speakers, alumni and fellow students who made the conference such a valuable experience. We look forward to next year!