2020 winners

IET Postgraduate Scholarship for an outstanding researcher

Hugo Lepage

Hugo Lepage is a PhD student at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge.

During his doctoral work, Hugo developed a code capable of simulating the dynamics of quantum particles. His research is focused on the development of components for building a quantum computer. By studying the behaviour of elementary particles, he can improve current quantum computation systems as well as put forward new designs for quantum information processing in the near future. This work has already led to three publications in high-impact journals with more on the way.

With the IET Postgraduate award, Hugo intends to package his code into intuitive software that can be distributed to research groups, industries, and schools around the world.

Hudswell International Research Scholarship

Pavlos Giannakou

Pavlos Giannakou is currently a PhD candidate under Dr Maxim Shkunov’s supervision in Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) at the University of Surrey.

After graduating in the top 1% of his class as a Mechanical Engineer at the University of Surrey, Pavlos pursued a PhD in Nanotechnology and Nanoelectronics at ATI. His current research is focused on printed electronics and energy storage, particularly supercapacitors.

Pavlos is the recipient of a series of academic awards including the Hudswell Scholarship from the IET. The scholarship will help him pursue his future endeavours towards a post-doctoral research in the field of printed bioelectronics, printed nanomaterials and energy storage.

Leslie H. Paddle Scholarship

Koorosh Aslansefat

Koorosh Aslansefat is a PhD student in Computer Science at the University of Hull. His research is on Data-driven Reliability-centred Evolutionary and Automated Maintenance for Offshore Wind Farms (DREAM) — a project funded by Électricité de France (EDF) Research in London.

His PhD combines data-analytics, optimisation algorithms that employ bioinspired algorithms, and advanced reliability and maintainability models. These models automate and optimise the planning of maintenance of offshore wind farms, taking into accounts factors such as weather and logistics.

Optimisation of maintenance reduces costs and extends the life of wind turbines, so reduces industrial waste. His research is contributing towards cheaper, clean energy, and a more sustainable environment and planet.

The IET Leslie H. Paddle Scholarship will enable Koorosh to disseminate his findings at conferences and reach out to potential users among renewable energy companies internationally.

IET Postgraduate Prize

Una Davies

Una Davies is a PhD student in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Una is thrilled to have her work recognised by receiving this award, which will enable her to extend the impact of her research in advanced Gen-IV reactors. Her work focuses on improving the cost efficiency and accuracy of the simulation methods used to create new reactor designs, test operating parameters, and build safety cases for nuclear regulators.

Alongside this, the recognition from the IET will support Una in publicising her own work and nuclear research in general through STEM outreach activities, supporting her goal of championing nuclear power as a safe, sustainable form of low-carbon energy.

Following her PhD, Una plans to develop her international collaborations and pursue a postdoctoral position to continue her research in advanced nuclear energy technology.

IET Postgraduate Prize

Adam McKenzie

Adam McKenzie is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow and CST Global Ltd. where he is the recipient of an Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

His research is focused on the development of semiconductor lasers, with a particular interest in understanding nanostructure formation and epitaxial regrowth processes through the use of electron microscope-based techniques. Most recently he has been studying aspects of void engineering in photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers.

The IET Postgraduate Prize will enable Adam to build strong foundations for a career as an independent researcher by further developing his ideas into new projects and establishing global collaborations in photonics and materials research.