BIG CHANGES
BY LITTLE
THINGS
Research Councils UK
CAREERS IN
RESEARCH
The researchers
in their own words
CHEMISTRY
There is greater demand for more efficient ways
of powering our mobile phones, computers
and transportation. Through this research in
nanotechnology, Tim Gabriel is able to combine his
interest in science and the environment to contribute
to the development of cheaper, more efficient,
environmentally-friendly devices.
Nanotechnology is seen as one of the most important and exciting scientific developments of our time and
involves controlling atoms and molecules or matter 100,000 times smaller than the width of a hair on your
head. In my particular field, the challenge is to use our knowledge of tiny particles to develop new, cheap,
efficient lithium-ion batteries – the kind of batteries that you find in your mobile phones or your laptop.
Science was not the easy option for me, I preferred maths at school, but I had good science teachers
who let us do experiments. I did a degree at Newcastle University, which combined chemistry with a
language, allowing me to spend a brilliant research year in France. and was my first exposure to a world
where I could conduct my own experiments.
I gained three very important things from working in France.
First, the experience of learning a language and working
abroad in a new and challenging environment. I became
more confident, independent and sociable, developing as an
individual. Finally, I discovered that although I enjoyed carrying
out experiments, organic research wasn’t for me (too much
time spent heating, stirring, and analysing carbon atoms!).
I then returned to Newcastle University to finish my degree.
It was during my final year project that I began thinking about
a career in scientific research involving materials and analysis, a
link to environmental factors and hopefully international travel.
“It was a
freedom to learn,
conduct my own
experiments and
to plan my working
day which was
very appealing
and very exciting.”
I worked in an agrochemical company, before starting a PhD at Southampton University and with
Merck Chemicals. I carried out research that looked into creating materials using liquid crystalsmolecules like the ones you find in digital watches and soap. At first, I wasn’t quite sure what this meant,
but this developed into a hugely enjoyable research project. I was also fortunate to work alongside and
be supported by experienced, successful scientists. As a result of our ground-breaking research, I was
invited to the USA to talk about my work and to develop my ideas with other scientists.
I also gained more general abilities such as time and project management, effective communication
and advanced team-working skills. Through developing my presenting skills, I was nominated to represent
my department at a research competition held at the House of Commons. A few years later, I was
promoting my scientific research to the general public on TV, radio and stage and my contribution to
communicating science was formally recognised with a meeting with former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The skills and knowledge I developed as a researcher helped me in my work as a chemistry lecturer
at Huddersfield University, where, amongst other things, I managed a small science unit and wrote
for a local newspaper. I even worked with the Forensic Science department observing post-mortem
examinations and crime scene specialists at work. I then chose to continue in research at University
College Cork. As a postdoctoral researcher funded by Science Foundation Ireland, I managed a larger
project taking charge of my own work, while supporting other PhD students and running a lab.
Research has allowed me to see parts of the world, which I may otherwise have never considered
visiting. For example, on a trip to Vancouver I was lucky enough to have ski slopes, coastal bike rides
and an amazing nightlife at my disposal, inbetween talking about batteries.
I am unsure where the next stop on my journey might be. Working in research has given me a greater
appreciation for how science can change our lives, and the opportunity to find answers to problems still
excites me. For me, the uncertainty, scale and depth of research is a thrilling unpredictable ride.
More case studies available at www.rcuk.ac.uk/careersinresearch
Name: Dr Tim Gabri
el
Age range: 30-35
Research institutio
n: University College Co
rk, Ireland
Research career len
gth: 11 years
Research Council:
Previously funded by
Engineering
and Physical Science
s Research
Council (EPSRC)
Location: Cleckheato
n, UK
Brief summary of
research: Making materials for
batteries and solar
cells which have tiny structures
and shapes, allowing
them to work more efficien
tly
School qualification
s:
A-levels: Mathematic
s, Chemistry and Fre
nch
Qualifications postschool: BSc in Chemistry wi
th European Studies
(French), Newcastle Universi
ty/University of Versa
illes
PhD in Chemistry, So
uthampton Universi
ty
Career path: Postdoctoral Researc
h Assistant, Universi
ty College Cork, Irelan
d
Lecturer – University
of Huddersfield
Experimental Develop
ment Formulation Ch
emist, Syngenta Agrochemi
cals
More case studies available at www.rcuk.ac.uk/careersinresearch
This case study is part of a wider
resource of Careers in Research case
studies available on the Research
Councils UK website, covering a range
of disciplines including history, maths,
arts and humanities, engineering, social
science, physics, chemistry, biology,
environment and computer science.
The seven Research Councils are:
Research Councils UK is the
partnership of the UK’s Research
Councils. We invest around £3 billion
each year in cutting edge research that
has an impact on the economic growth
and wellbeing of the UK, tackling global
societal issues such as climate change,
poverty and terrorism.
• Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
We support the training and career
development of researchers, and work
with them to inspire young people and
engage the wider public with research.
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careersinresearch
• Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
• Biotechnology & Biological Sciences
Research Council (BBSRC)
• Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
• Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)