- What’s your experience with KTP to date?
This is my first KTP which I have joined as the academic supervisor. Current research at the University of Brighton in cryogenics and energy storage naturally led to an involvement with Highview Power Storage.
- What is your KTP project(s) about and how are you getting involved?
The KTP project is in partnership with Highview Power Storage, based in London. Highview design and develop large-scale liquid air energy storage (LAES) plants. Our involvement in the work focuses on the material selection for the packed beds used for thermal storage and future design tools which can be implemented by the company.
- What would you say is the best thing about the KTP scheme?
I would say that the best thing about a KTP is the relationship that is formed between industry and academia, allowing both parties to learn new technologies and gain valuable experience.
- Why do you think the KTP scheme is important to
- the university
The KTP is a great opportunity for the university to form strong links with industry, working at the forefront of cutting edge research. For example, this KTP has required new experimental methodologies to be developed which can now be applied to academic research. The KTP has required cross disciplinary research between engineering and geology within the university, which adds further dimensions to the applications of this work.
- companies
The main advantage to the company is access to the knowledge and resources at the university. The aim of the KTP is to answer a question that a company has but doesn’t have the knowledge within the company to answer. For this KTP, the solution required developing experimental methodologies, an area which the university has both the resources and experience in.
- graduates
The KTP offers a unique chance for a graduate to work within a company, taking leadership of a project. The graduate can integrate themselves into the company, taking on responsibility from the start which is a rare and valuable opportunity in industry. The training budget allows for the graduate to improve and learn anything that they feel is necessary to aid them in their work which, hopefully, builds their confidence. They can also attend courses at the university which include many business and personal development courses.
- What would you say about the KTP scheme to colleagues who might be thinking about getting involved?
I would recommend the KTP as an excellent way to further academic research and to form links with industry, with both parties benefitting from developing new technologies and techniques. It is exciting to see the application of the work conducted at the university being implemented into developing industrial technologies.
- If you could use 3 words to describe KTP, what would they be?
Collaboration, development, knowledge.