Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 Specialist Research Institutes

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125 www.brunel.ac.uk/research/specialist-research-institute Brunel University Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 www.brunel.ac.uk The reputation of Brunel’s research is especially renowned through the work of its prestigious Specialist Research Institutes. Academic Areas Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB) Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC) Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST) Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC) Health Economics Research Group (HERG) Institute for the Environment (IfE) Magna Carta Institute Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing Specialist Research Institutes

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Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 Specialist Research Institutes

Transcript of Postgraduate Prospectus 2013 Specialist Research Institutes

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The reputation of Brunel’s research is especially renowned through the work of its prestigious Specialist Research Institutes.

Academic Areas

★ Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB)

★ Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC)

★ Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST)

★ Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC)

★ Health Economics Research Group (HERG)

★ Institute for the Environment (IfE)

★ Magna Carta Institute

★ Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing

Specialist Research Institutes

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Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB)The Brunel Institute for Bioengineering (BIB) is a multi-disciplinary organisation with the core research areas of Biomedical Engineering and Bioprocessing. It specialises in science and engineering for medical engineering, chemical and biochemical processing, healthcare and rehabilitation.

The Institute was an integral part of the highly successful 2008 RAE submission in General Engineering, in which Brunel was ranked fifth in the UK. It has currently 26 members of staff and 15 research students.

Founded in 1983 by Professor Heinz Wolff to research how humans can survive in hostile environments, BIB became well known for successful NASA and ESA space projects. With this expertise, the Institute diversified and now researches in the following areas: Biomedical Engineering, which comprises cardiac assist devices, blood flow modelling and predictors of plaque rupture, implantable biosensors, micro-robotic surgical tools, and devices to help maintain independence for older and disabled people, technology for continence management; and Bioprocessing.

The BIB website (www.brunel.ac.uk/about/acad/bib) details research activities in the various areas, including current and past projects and grants, publications, and details of staff members. Besides the new MRes degree in Bioengineering, research can also be conducted towards an MPhil or a PhD.

Academic Areas• Bioengineering

Research Areas• Biomedical Engineering

• Bioprocessing

Research Courses• MPhil

Taught Courses• MRes Bioengineering

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Biomedical engineering is a growing activity within the Institute and offers research opportunities in a wide range of topic areas. Our innovative research, supported by EPSRC, the BHF, the EU and industry, does lead to new solutions. Many are demonstrated as new prototype devices and are followed through to practice, for example: surgical robotic tools; implantable devices and sensing systems; biomaterials; tissue engineering; and biosensing technologies for specific applications including drug delivery, tissue repair and implantable biosensing.

The Institute’s internationally-leading research in atherosclerotic lesion rupture vulnerability using MRI and ultrasound is complemented by computational plaque stress analysis by fluid-structure interaction simulation. The group also models microcirculatory flows, with particular interest in the endothelium as well as in the mathematic modelling of tumours. The development of ventricular assist devices is another corner stone of the Institute’s research profile.

Based on the Institute’s many years’ experience in getting products from concept to production, Professor Heinz Wolff and his team have successfully developed the ‘Caring Homes’ project for older and disabled people and have pioneered research in telecare from home. BIB also has a track record in the area of ageing and continence leading to a string of European and national funding awards.

Over the last five years, the Institute has also become a world leader in Bioprocessing by taking small-scale, analytical methods for purifying pharmaceuticals and other mixtures and turning them into large-scale processes suitable for production. This has led to a spin-out company called Dynamic Extractions Ltd and the setting up of the Advanced Bioprocess Centre.

Counter-Current Chromatography (CCC) is the main process by which these purification advances are made, but the Centre also facilitates many other separation methods. Work on CCC involves fundamental studies of the behaviour of liquids and solids in CCC coiled columns, including fluid dynamics, computer modelling, and developing applications for its CCC technology for the separation of small molecules such as drugs and natural products, larger biological molecules such as proteins, and different types of particles including cells and nanoparticles.

Contact: Jenny Kume, Email [email protected] How to Apply: www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/pg/how-to-apply

BIB Research Opportunities

Alessandra’s PhD is supported by the Isambard Research Scholarship

“I’m a second year PhD student at Brunel Institute of Bioengineering (BIB) and I’m carrying out my research in the biofluidmechanics group.

I did my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering in Italy, and after that I decided to do the PhD at Brunel because I was very interested in the research projects offered by BIB.

The Isambard Scholarship allows me to attend conferences related to my research field. This year I am the PhD student rep of BIB and this allows me to be more aware of student problems.

After the PhD I would like to go on with my research by doing a postdoc in the UK or abroad.”

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BIB Taught Courses

MRes in BioengineeringThis research-led teaching programme utilises the Institute’s expertise to address the multi-disciplinary subjects of engineering, biology, human physiology, and medicine.

It is always challenging for a graduate to perform research in this multi-disciplinary field. The course therefore delivers taught modules to fill knowledge gaps within the specific bioengineering disciplines. It provides substantial training on performing research in biomechanics engineering, biosensing, medical instrumentation and bioprocessing. Students are exposed to our ongoing research activities and have the opportunity to carry out their dissertation research on a specific project of their choice.

Extensive training in research methodology and practice will equip students with all the necessary skills to perform bioengineering research within a multi-disciplinary context.

Mode of study: Full-time over one year or part-time over two years Contact: Dr Quan Long, Email [email protected]

Warren is in his fourth year of a part-time PhD

“I am a part-time Phd student and full-time ultrasonographer at Hillingdon Hospital.

My research interest is in the non-invasive assessment of vascular disease, basically trying to improve the routine ultrasound examination which I conduct within the NHS. I am presently working on motion analysis of the arterial wall. This dynamic capability could provide useful information about the mechanical properties of the vessel wall.

The close collaboration between Hillingdon Hospital and Brunel University has provided excellent opportunities for this research.”

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Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC)

The principal mission of BIC is to establish a world-class research centre offering high-quality research in an innovative environment. It aims to attract outstanding students and focuses on advanced inspection and allied technologies covering a range of materials, sensors, electronics and software systems.

BIC forms part of a strategic collaboration with TWI Ltd., one of the world’s leading materials technology companies, and is based at their facilities near Cambridge. It draws on Brunel’s existing strengths to complement and underpin the applied research and development activities of TWI.

The driving motivation is to solve real problems in industrial inspection and monitoring, achieved by conducting thorough scientific research. It therefore covers the whole range of activity from fundamental scientific studies through to the transfer of technology to industry.

BIC was established with initial pump-priming from Brunel and TWI, but has now become financially sustainable from external funding sources, including 14 EU projects worth over €6 million.

Current examples of research projects include:

• Ultrasonic detection and removal of fouling for pipes

• Long-range ultrasonic inspection at high temperatures

• Optimisation of manual ultrasonic NDT

• Long-range condition monitoring for rails

Contact: Director Professor Tat-Hean Gan, Brunel Innovation Centre, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266897/+44 (0)1223 899693

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Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST)BCAST focuses on both fundamental and applied research of advanced solidification technologies for metallic materials. The Centre is the birthplace of Melt Conditioning by Advanced Shearing Technology (MCAST) and the family of rheoforming technologies.

The MCAST process has been identified as offering greater tolerance to the impurities that are present in scrap metals, thus enabling BCAST to help recycle scrap metals for engineering applications. This exciting area of research is being explored with the metal recycling and automobile industries to help the world achieve sustainable development.

BCAST has an international reputation for its research into solidification under forced convection, rheology, understanding of semisolid metals and new alloy development. Our newer developments are based on the understanding of liquid metals.

BCAST is well equipped with a unique collection of facilities for metal processing and a range of modern analytical techniques. There are currently 40 staff, including academics, research fellows, PhD students and admin staff, working together on a wide range of projects sponsored by the research councils and industrial companies. These include:

• Melt conditioning high pressure die casting of Al and Mg alloys for automotive application

• Development of rheo-forming technologies for processing wrought Mg alloys, including melt conditioning direct chill casting and melt conditioning twin-roll casting

• Grain refining of Mg and Al alloys using both chemical and physical approaches

• Application of MCAST technology to increase the post-consumer Al scrap in lightweight vehicles

• Alloy development for both improved processability and enhanced mechanical properties

• Rheology of semi-solid metals and alloys

• Solidification under intensive forced convection

• Thermophysical properties of liquid metals and alloys

• Structure of liquid metals and alloys

• Rheo-extrusion of metallic materials

• High performance Metal Matrix Composites

• Direct chill casting of Al and Mg alloys

Simon is studying for a PhD at BCAST“I came to Brunel as part of an industrial partnership between Sapa (the company I work for) and BCAST. We are very interested in the work that is done here and its potential for the aluminium industry.

Innovation is key to the survival and sustainability of industry and that is what we are driving towards at BCAST. My experiences at Brunel have been positive and rewarding. It is a dynamic place: this has been proven recently by its involvement during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

My future plans after my studies hopefully see me returning to the aluminium industry. I am lucky in my job to travel around the world visiting plants and working with many different people. I look forward to continuing with this and helping to innovate the industry. Being given the opportunity to further my career and future by completing a PhD at Brunel will only help me to achieve my goals and give me the confidence to aim higher.”

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• Continuous casting of Al and Mg alloys

• Analytical modelling of heterogeneous nucleation with potent substrates

• Molecular dynamic modelling of heterogeneous nucleation on potent substrates

• Solidification behaviour of alloy melt with well dispersed oxide particles

• Numerical simulation of the rheo-forming processes

Research Courses• MPhil

• PhD

Contact: Director Professor Z Fan, Email [email protected], Tel ++44 (0)1895 266407, Web www.brunel.ac.uk/bcast

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Scanning electron microscopy reveals hydrogen embrittlement in steel, causing intergranular fracture

Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC)Brunel’s Experimental Techniques Centre (ETC) provides expertise in specialist analytical techniques, combining academic research with business success through its activities in three complementary strands:

• Science and engineering research;

• Support of research and teaching in the University’s academic Schools and Research Centres by provision of state-of-the-art scientific equipment and expertise;

• Industrial consultancy and R and D.

ETC research focuses on surface science, thin films, materials and nanoscale investigations. This has wide-ranging applications from engineering to forensics: recent research projects include investigations of fingerprint detection technology, airborne particulate pollution, toxic metal uptake in biological tissue, development of novel biomedical implants, and investigations of archaeological iron-working sites. Many projects involve collaboration with industry and academia, nationwide and internationally.

A wide range of techniques are available, including electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR). The Centre is continually expanding, both in instrumentation and scope, as was highlighted by the recent

purchase of an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) for crystal structure studies, and a Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) for surface chemistry investigations.

ETC works closely with colleagues across the University to provide supervision and support for research students in using its suite of instruments. The Centre’s facilities and expertise in specialist microscopy and analysis are of particular importance in the study of engineering materials, biological systems, environmental research and biomedical engineering. ETC staff contribute to teaching on MSc courses including Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Biomedical Engineering and Nanomaterials Processing, and also run short courses on instrumentation and analysis, which are accredited for continuing professional development (CPD).

ETC also provides consultancy services to industry. Its work includes failure analysis, forensic investigations and hazardous fibre identification and quantification, for diverse clients such as government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, environmental consultancies and automotive industries. Research students benefit from the experience of business operation and regular contact with representatives from varied industry sectors, as well as the opportunity to work with a wide range of analytical techniques.

Research Courses:• MPhil

• PhD

Contact: Research Coordinator Dr Benjamin Jones, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 265409, Web www.ETCbrunel.co.uk

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Health Economics Research Group (HERG)The Health Economics Research Group (HERG) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in applied health economics. It undertakes high quality, policy-relevant research and contributes to the development of evaluation methodologies. Its research currently focuses on economic evaluation of health technologies, economics of public health, measurement and valuation of outcomes from health interventions, use of economic evaluation in decision making and methods of evaluating the ‘payback’ from research and development in the health sector.

Academics in the Group encompass a variety of disciplines including economics, public health, health services research, political science, and information science. Associated researchers at Brunel extend this network to statistics, medical sociology, nursing, psychology, mathematics, information and computer science.

Much of HERG’s research work is carried out with or on behalf of medical institutions such as hospitals, medical research units and NHS bodies as well as international organisations such as the World Health Organisation. A number of common methodological issues cross the range of applications, including the nature and form of controls or comparisons, the constitution of ‘evidence’, the measurement and valuation of benefits, the integration of cost and benefit information, and the characterisation of uncertainty. HERG has made major contributions to developing multi-dimensional ways to conceptualise and measure the payback from health research, and these are proving to be areas of growing interest to governments and research funding bodies in various countries.

Principal Research Themes

Development and use of benefit measures for evaluation and policy:

• Use of utility based measures (eg EQ5D) or time trade-off

• Mapping from disease-specific to generic/utility measures

• Conjoint analysis to understand patient preferences between processes and outcome

• Willingness to pay valuations for treatment and prevention (continued overleaf)

Christian’s PhD explores the ‘transferability’ of economic evaluation results across geographic areas“While it is common practice to transfer results from cost-effectiveness studies of health interventions from one country to another, there are always concerns about doing so. My PhD explores the ‘transferability’ of economic evaluation results across geographic areas. It develops and tests approaches to identifying factors that predict when transferring evidence may be appropriate.”

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Modelling the cost-effectiveness of health interventions:

• Long-term effects of transplantations and implantable cardioverter defibrillators

• Developments in micro simulation modelling

• Linking geographic information systems with estimations of cost-effectiveness

• Multi-level cost and cost-effectiveness models

Cost-effectiveness alongside a range of experimental and quasi-experimental designs:

• Pragmatic clinical trials of community-based health interventions to Phase III efficacy trials of pharmacological treatments

• Large-scale, multi-centre trials and evaluation of treatments for rare conditions

• Piloting NHS innovations such as telemedicine in paediatric and foetal cardiology

Applied economic evaluations:

• Transplant programmes for example heart, liver and small bowel

• Screening programmes for example for abdominal aortic aneurysms

• Pharmaceutical interventions for example treatment of asthma

• Medical devices such as total knee replacement

Resource allocation formulas:

• Measuring horizontal and vertical equity

• Determinants of health service use

• Impact of health care supply on use of health services

Assessing the ‘payback’ derived from the funding of health and medical research:

• Developing, applying and assessing a conceptual framework for assessing the benefits from research

• Evaluating the returns from specific research funders and specific research programmes

• Analysing the operation of health research systems nationally and internationally

Research Courses• Health Economics PhD

Contact: Professor Julia Fox-Rushby, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266864, Web www.brunel.ac.uk/about/acad/herg

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Institute for the Environment (IfE)The Institute for the Environment (IfE) at Brunel University is a rapidly expanding research centre housing a team of leading experts in their respective fields. Led by one of the most highly cited female environmental scientists in the world, Professor Susan Jobling, IfE provides specialist training in a wide spectrum of environmental science topics.

In 2011, Brunel University was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for the significance and impact of IfE’s 20 years of research on hormone disrupting chemicals in wastewater. However, world-leading research within the Institute also tackles a diverse range of other environmental science issues. Its network of chemists, biologists, epidemiologists, toxicologists, mathematicians, geographers and geologists allows the Institute to provide exciting, practical and topical teaching and research supervision.

IfE aims to deliver high quality research and postgraduate training aimed at protecting life on Earth from environmental hazards, both present and future. Our staff and postgraduates are trained to provide explanations and solutions to environmental problems and to transform their research into useful knowledge for decision makers and consumers.

The Institute’s MSc programmes are accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and it runs a bursary scheme supported by the Honourable Company of Water Conservators.

Research Areas• Chemicals in the Environment

• Climate Science

• Ecotoxicology

• Epidemiology

• Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment

• Natural Hazards

Taught Courses• Climate Change Impacts and Sustainability MSc

• Environmental Science – Legislation and Management MSc

• Environmental Science – Pollution and Monitoring MSc

• Toxicology and Risk Assessment MSc

Antony took the Master’s programme in Climate Change Impacts and Sustainability

“After too many years working in wholesale finance in the City of London I felt ready to take up a new challenge and align my working life with my personal interests.

What I like about the course is its broad multi-disciplinary nature and the fact that the syllabus has been designed to fit the specific subject domain, rather than extended from a pre-existing MSc.

I was particularly concerned about the challenges of returning to full-time education as a mature student. As it turned out I was not alone, and academic life, though challenging, has proved to be very rewarding.”

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The Institute for the Environment is one of the fastest growing centres of excellence in environmental research in the UK and is dedicated to tackling problems for industry as well as the public sector. Its academics lead internationally recognised groups and collaborate with scientists in the UK and worldwide. It is, therefore, a vibrant, dynamic, productive and supportive environment in which students can undertake their research degree studies. Research students in the Institute for the Environment can work towards an MPhil or PhD research degree, full-time or part-time.

The Institute has excellent resources for students to use during their research. For example, our toxicology and ecotoxicology facilities include a wide range of testing and analysis equipment, and state-of-the-art equipment for the chemical analysis of samples.

Choosing a research topic is usually an interactive process between the candidate and the Institute. Often students have some idea of the general

area that they would like to investigate. We have outlined the research areas where we have particular interests, expertise and experience on our website: www.brunel.ac.uk/ife/research-areas. Our key current research interests are summarised opposite but we also welcome contact regarding other potential topics within our research areas.

Chemicals in the Environment

• Understanding the fate and behaviour of chemicals in the environment

• Clean and clean-up technologies

Climate science

• Investigating the science and impacts of past, present and future changing climates

• Field-based, laboratory-based and computer model-based research

Ecotoxicology

• Chemical effects on the reproduction and sexual development of aquatic organisms, particularly fish and, more recently, molluscs

• Amphibian ecotoxicology and endocrine disruption

• Multiple stressors

Epidemiology

• Understanding and examining the factors that determine population health risk factors

Human Toxicology and Risk Assessment

• Dealing with cocktail effects in chemicals regulation and risk assessment

• Hormones and human cancers

Natural Hazards

• Assessing impacts of geological and climatic hazards on human civilisation

Contact: IfE Head of Research, Dr Ed Routledge, Email [email protected] How to apply: www.brunel.ac.uk/ife/research-degrees

IfE Research Opportunities

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IftE Taught Courses

Climate Change Impacts and Sustainability MScThis is a multi-School, interdisciplinary programme that explores the likely impacts of global climate change on society and the wider environment. The programme is ideal for students with a science, social science or law based background, though other disciplines will be considered.

We aim to provide students with an interdisciplinary knowledge of the potential impacts of global warming and climate change across a variety of key areas, including public health, business and economics, national and international policy and technological development, underpinned by a critical understanding of the concept of sustainability.

Mode of study: Full-time: 2 days attendance per week (currently Tuesday and Thursday). Part-time: 1 day attendance per week (currently Tuesday in Year 1 and Thurs in Year 2) Contact: Course Director Dr Daniel Pickford, Institute for the Environment, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266105

Environmental Science – Legislation and Management MScThis market-leading Master’s course in Environmental Science with Legislation and Management addresses the principles necessary for the successful implementation of sound environmental management practice, and the up-to-date legal processes involved in environmental control. The course bridges the gap between fundamental scientific and technical data and the management decision-

making process. You will also acquire the tools needed for environmental management, including project management, life cycle analysis, environmental reviews and audits.

The MSc is suitable for graduates who hope to develop a career in the environmental industry or in public bodies concerned with environmental management and legislation.

Mode of study: Full-time: 2 days attendance per week (currently Tuesday and Thursday). Part-time: 1 day attendance per week (currently Tuesday in Year 1 and Thursday in Year 2). Contact: Course Director Dr Steve Kershaw, Institute for the Environment, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266105

Environmental Science – Pollution and Monitoring MScThis programme is suitable for graduates or those with relevant experience who wish to develop a career in practical environmental monitoring and control for industry, consultancies and public bodies, using applied environmental science. The course provides a rigorous academic treatment of the fundamental scientific principles and practice of assessing and controlling the extent of

environmental damage caused by humankind’s activities. It emphasises the processes and techniques relating to the reduction of emissions to air, land and water, and the subsequent effects of the pollution. Potential careers lie in fields such as environmental science, health protection and regulatory processes.

Mode of study: Full-time: 2 days attendance per week (currently Tues and Thurs). Part-time: 1 day attendance per week (currently Tuesday in Year 1 and Thursday in Year 2). Contact: Course Director Dr Abdul Chaudhary, Institute for the Environment, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266105

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Toxicology and Risk Assessment MScThe demand for new toxicological testing of chemicals and for new risk assessment strategies will increase considerably in the future. This MSc provides students with up-to-date understanding of the effects of chemicals on human and environmental health.

Students work with real-world case-studies from the cutting-edge of practice, which are used to illustrate principles throughout the course. The course focuses on human health effects, ecotoxicology, carcinogens and mutagens, mixture toxicology, and computational toxicology.

Mode of study: Full-time: 2 days attendance per week (currently Monday and Tuesday) plus full week short courses. Part-time: 1 day attendance per week (currently Monday or Tuesday depending on term) plus full week short courses. Contact: Course Directors Professor Andreas Kortenkamp and Dr Elisabete Silva, Institute for the Environment, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266105

HoW To APPly

Applications should be made online through the specific course page on the Brunel University website, www.brunel.ac.uk, by clicking on the ‘Apply’ button.

All applications need to be supported by two references, one of which must be an academic reference. Applications should be submitted as early as possible. The applicant may be required to attend an interview at the University before a decision on the application is made. For international applicants, it may be possible to arrange telephone and web conference interviews.

For more information please visit: www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/pg/how-to-apply

Satwant graduated with an MSc in Environmental Science: Pollution and Monitoring and is now studying part-time for a PhD in the Institute for the Environment

“I’ve always been interested in ecology, environmental issues and their impacts. When I was planning to do postgraduate study in this field, I found out about Brunel, which is ranked as one of the best universities in environment research. Some of the best-known names in environmental studies are based here.

A big advantage of the course is that the teaching links theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Since I finished my course in 2009, I’ve continued to work as a research assistant at the Institute for the Environment.”

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The Magna Carta InstituteThe Magna Carta Institute researches, debates and seeks to influence some of the key political, legal and social issues of our time. Its purpose is to analyse how best to create and maintain just societies that fairly balance both personal freedom and authority, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and society. Essentially, the Institute strives to stimulate and shape debate around some of the most important questions facing the modern world.

The Institute acts as an international think tank, bringing together leading figures from the worlds of politics, law, business, the media and academia. It runs major research projects as well as regular symposia and events to bring together academics, researchers, politicians, business leaders and key decision-makers, to discuss fundamental issues within an environment of openness and mutual respect.

As an interdisciplinary Institute, it interacts with research activities throughout the University, bringing together academics from the fields of politics, government, law, international relations, economics, media, communications, ethics and leadership.

Academic staff within the Institute supervise a diverse range of research students. They welcome PhD applications in the fields of political science, government, international relations, economics, law, media, communications, ethics and leadership.

Research Courses• MPhil

• PhD

Contact: Director Professor Justin Fisher, Email [email protected], Tel +44 (0)1895 266309, Web www.brunel.ac.uk/magnacarta

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The Wolfson Centre for Materials ProcessingThe Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing is a Specialist Research Institute that focuses on materials science. Established in 1987 by Professor Mike Bevis with the help of a generous grant from the Wolfson Foundation, the Centre has grown to become a distinguished international centre of excellence for materials technology, attracting over £7.5 million in funding under its current Director, Professor Jack Silver, since his arrival in 2006.

Current areas of research include nanomaterials, nanophosphors and nanostructured carbon, biofuels, polymer extrusion and biodegradable food packaging.

The Wolfson Centre has a wide range of techniques available, including scanning electron microscopy, raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and nanoindentation.

Research Courses• Materials Processing PhD

Contact: The Wolfson Centre for Materials Processing, Email: [email protected], Tel: +44 (0)1895 274000, Fax: +44 (0)1895 203376

Around 50 academic and support staff, together with postgraduate students, associates and fellows attached to our research programmes, work in the Centre.