A SCIENTIST from Redditch is shining a light on the work he does in his field during British Science Week
Dominic Gardner, a PhD Researcher with the Faraday Institution since 2022, grew up in Inkberrow.
Having studied chemistry at undergraduate and master’s level, his PhD from the University of Birmingham ultimately addresses how to build better, more sustainable lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable cells in portable electronics, EVs and renewable energy installations that will be increasingly key to powering our lives.
He is researching materials to make the cathode, the positive electrode, in batteries – a crucial element in battery safety, performance and cost – in a project under the supervision of Dr Phoebe Allan and Prof Peter Slater.
Dominic said he had really enjoyed working in such a high-impact area.
“I will take forwards all that I have learned with me, I am proud to have been able to contribute to work focused on scaling up the LFP technology.”
Growing up with a mum, who is a psychologist and a dad who works in a hospital, Dominic said he always enjoyed science, rebelling slightly to go into chemistry research rather than healthcare.
He has valued the opportunity to do his doctorate with UK national battery research institute the Faraday Institution, based near Oxford.
One highlight has been the training programme, with sessions focused on CVs and negotiation training, plus a ‘mini-MBA’ covering every aspect of creating a business culminating in a pitch session.
Dominic said: “In previous cohorts, several businesses were set up as well.”
Helping global decarbonisation efforts by making longer-lasting, safer batteries is an important motivation for Dominic.
“I hope that the advance of technology I work on, works towards sustainability, that’s the overarching goal.”
British Science Week runs from March 6 until 15.
