Professor Robert Weatherup MRSC

I love learning new things, and understanding how things work, which is what I really enjoy about research. Whether it’s trying a new technique or studying unfamiliar materials, I try to make sure I’m slightly out of my comfort zone so that I’m always picking up new skills or gaining new understanding. I also enjoy passing on what I've learnt to others, and it's always rewarding to see the researchers in my group developing that same love of learning.

I think it’s really important to have an environment where everyone feels able to contribute, is comfortable expressing their views, and respectfully challenges each other to perform the best research they can.

My group uses a lot of advanced characterisation techniques at large-scale facilities, and many of the measurements we perform simply wouldn’t be possible without working in teams. We rely on close collaboration with the facility staff and it’s really valuable to have a diverse range of perspectives and expertise when planning and performing these measurements, as you’re challenged to think carefully about the approach you’re taking and how to best analyse the results obtained. I also find research much more fun when working as part of an inspiring team, where you all have a common goal.

Nickel. My first project during my PhD was understanding and controlling the catalytic growth of graphene on nickel, and most of the research projects I’ve worked on since have involved nickel in some way or another. It’s extremely versatile both as a catalyst and as a redox active centre for energy storage and we’re currently working on nickel alloys as electrocatalysts for hydrogen production, as well as nickel-rich cathode materials for Li-ion batteries.