MIDAS Academic Research Update Meeting
The MIDAS research team convened for a significant progress meeting on the 24th and 25th of June at the Henry Royce Institute building. This meeting brought together roughly 50 members from esteemed institutions, including University of Manchester, Oxford University, Imperial College London, PSI, Chalmers, University of Birmingham, and industry partners such as Rolls Royce, Westinghouse, and Jacobs.
MIDAS team deliberating on discussions
The first day of the meeting focused on Key Challenges 1 and 3, chaired by Christopher Race and Mark Wenman, respectively. Discussions covered a range of topics, including recent research findings and methodological advancements.
A notable highlight was a demonstration by Stravrina Dimosthenous on Ampletracks, the MIDAS sample management database.
After the formal sessions, attendees gathered for a group dinner at Society. This social event provided an excellent opportunity for informal networking and deeper engagement. The evening continued at Flight Club, where attendees enjoyed a friendly game of darts. Congratulations to Philipp Frankel for securing first place!
High spirits at flight club!
The second day continued with discussions on Key Challenges 2 and 4, chaired by Michael Preuss and Mia Maric. The day's agenda was packed with insightful presentations. For instance, advancements in understanding the microstructural evolution of zirconium under irradiation were discussed. There were also conversations about collaborative approaches to tackle complex research questions.
Throughout the two days, each researcher had 5 minutes to present their project followed by a 5-minute Q&A session. This format encouraged concise and impactful exchanges of ideas.
Looking ahead, the MIDAS team outlined several next steps, including upcoming experiments and collaborative projects. The MIDAS progress meeting was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation. The insights gained and connections strengthened during these two days will undoubtedly propel the project forward.