Ewan McQueen (University of Strathclyde) attends the RSC Photophysics and Photochemistry ECR Meeting with help from an SCN travel award

I attended the RSC Photophysics and Photochemistry Group (PPG) Early Career Meeting 2024 at the University of Sheffield in the UK. At the conference, I had the opportunity to present some of my PhD research in the field of artificial photosynthesis utilising a collaboration between our research group at the University of Strathclyde (led by Dr Sebastian Sprick) and at the Tokyo institute of Technology and Hiroshima University (led by Prof. Osamu Ishitani). This work involved the use of hybrid photocatalyst materials based on conjugated polymers as organic semiconductors and binuclear metal complexes as molecular catalysts for highly efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction to formate. It was a brilliant opportunity for me to communicate photocatalysis research to the PPG community, in which the fundamental principles of the high catalytic activity are underpinned by favourable intrinsic photochemical processes.

It was excellent to hear about the breadth of research undertaken in the photochemistry/photophysics community. Amongst many fantastic talks, some of the highlights included talks on 2D-IR spectroscopy, Terahertz spectroscopy, energy storage materials, photoelectrochemical water splitting, thermally activated delayed fluorescence in OLED applications and finally upconversion mechanisms in solar cell devices. Hence, it was nice to represent artificial photosynthesis in amongst these other very interesting research areas.

It was also very useful to hear the invited speakers discussing career paths to the community in an open panel discussion, whilst networking with other ECRs in the photo(electro)catalysis field stirred up great ideas for future project plans. On reflection, the conference was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Artem Khobnya (Imperial) reports on his attendance at the 75th ISE meeting in Montreal, funded with the help of the SCN travel award

The 75th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry in Montreal Canada was the first large conference I attended outside of Europe and it was an incredible opportunity for my career and personal growth. It was very exciting to see and talk to many of the academics that I have read about and who’s research has provided many ideas for my own PhD. It was an excellent chance for me to engage in networking and make contacts with people in my field. I was able to expand my scientific knowledge through the many interesting talks I attended, both relevant for my research and unrelated to my field. I also had the privilege of giving an oral presentation, I received several insightful questions and comments which will help with designing my next experiments and writing up papers. Overall, the conference was very motivational and inspirational for me because it was amazing to meet so many people from around the world who are in a similar position to myself.

On a more personal note, I really enjoyed sightseeing in Montreal and getting to experience the local culture through live music, wall paintings and spectacular views of the city from Mount Royal and waterfront.

Mohammad Khan (University of Loughborough) reports on attending Electrochem 2024

I had the opportunity of attending Electrochem2024, September 11-13, in Manchester Metropolitan University, where global leaders in electrochemistry gathered to showcase cutting-edge research. During the event, I presented my work on ‘Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) and Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES):  Transforming Glycerol-rich Wastewater and CO2 into valuable Products with Future Integration Potential’—an exciting approach to tackling two major environmental challenges. My research demonstrated how MFCs can not only treat industrial waste from biodiesel production but also generate bioelectricity in the process. This technology offers dual benefits—waste reduction and clean energy production. Additionally, I explored MES, a novel method where microorganisms convert CO2 and glycerol waste into chemicals such as acetate and propionate, paving the way for sustainable fuel and chemical production from waste.

Electrochem2024 provided an inspiring platform, offering rich insights from across the scientific community. The event featured the critical role of bio and electrochemical systems in advancing the circular economy. Engaging with top researchers and hearing about the latest innovations in electrochemical energy conversion technologies left me energized and excited for future collaborations. This event was an electric experience, filled with progressive ideas and groundbreaking innovations. The energy in the room was evident as researchers, like me, discussed how electrochemical technologies could reshape the future of clean energy. These conversations are not just academic—they are the blueprint for a greener, more sustainable world.

I would also to thank the Solar Chemicals Network for their Travel Grant, which made it possible for me to attend this event.