The UK battery sector is on the verge of a significant transformation, thanks to Agratas, the Tata Group’s global battery company, which has established a multi-year partnership with the Faraday Institution. This collaboration is not just a strategic move; it represents a critical response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals in battery development. As Professor Martin Freer, CEO of the Faraday Institution, aptly put it, “The next generation of battery technologies will be developed by the next generation of battery researchers.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the partnership, which aims to cultivate talent through innovative research and development initiatives.
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. The UK is poised to play a pivotal role in the global race for battery manufacturing and innovation, and the ability to attract investment hinges on the availability of a skilled workforce. The partnership’s commitment to talent development arrives at a crucial moment, as the nation seeks to leverage its advantages in battery research and development.
At the heart of this groundbreaking agreement lies a pilot program funded by Agratas for three PhD studentships. These doctoral candidates will actively contribute to ongoing projects at the Faraday Institution, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in critical areas of battery technology. This initiative exemplifies a shared vision to accelerate advancements in the UK battery sector while ensuring a continuous influx of highly trained talent. A joint statement from Agratas and the Faraday Institution underscores this urgency, stating, “The demand for skilled professionals to achieve a fully electric future has never been more urgent.”
The Faraday Institution has long been a leader in preparing researchers for impactful careers across academia, industry, and policymaking. Its specialized PhD training program equips graduates with deep technical expertise and interdisciplinary knowledge, making them assets in the rapidly evolving battery landscape. Agratas’ sponsorship of the three PhD studentships is part of a broader cohort of 16 researchers who joined the Faraday Institution’s PhD Enrichment Scheme in October 2024. These studentships, which span four years, will include industrial internships with Agratas, effectively bridging the gap between academic research and real-world application.
Dr. Valentina Gentili, Vice President of Global Research and Development, Cell Technology at Agratas, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Agratas’s purpose is to pioneer power for future generations by fostering talent and driving innovation in next-generation battery technologies.” This partnership not only reflects Agratas’ industrial vision but also highlights its eagerness to engage with the UK’s vibrant academic ecosystem.
The funded researchers are already making noteworthy strides in pioneering battery research. For instance, Becky Larner from the University of Oxford is advancing manufacturing processes as part of the Nextrode project. Chris Smith from the University of Cambridge is investigating battery degradation, collaborating with leading scientists. Tihana Štefanić, also from the University of Oxford, is exploring battery design through the Multi-scale Modelling project. Their work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has practical implications for the industry.
The enthusiasm expressed by these emerging researchers reveals a deeper commitment to sustainability and innovation. Larner’s background in sodium-ion batteries and her current focus on sustainable lithium-ion technology illustrate the drive to enhance energy storage solutions. Similarly, Smith’s journey from materials research engineering to battery research highlights a growing recognition of the environmental impact of technological advancements.
This partnership between Agratas and the Faraday Institution exemplifies the critical need for collaboration between academia and industry. By nurturing the next generation of experts, they are equipping the UK battery sector to meet the challenges of an electrified future, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of global battery innovation. As the landscape of energy storage continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and electrified future.
