Sam Olof

The goal of my extended project is to develop an optical atomic force microscope. It will be achieved by substituting the AFM cantilever with a complex biological form, which will be controlled using optical tweezers, with the reaction forces measured as it is scanned over a surface.

Josh Lay

We are all encouraged to do some form of public engagement and I had my first chance to do this at the Bristol Festival of Nature. I helped to run a stand based on the 'Time for Nano' theme which involved activities to show what nanotechnology can do and how it can be used to change the properties of materials.

Ben Brown

The close ties that the BCFN holds with industry are highly beneficial for us. The visits and presentations from industrial partners have proven to be both interesting and informative, giving a unique insight into each of the companies involved.

Tom Branfield

The online modules are fantastic – they are concise and let you know the key information quickly. This is really important when reading outside your discipline. The modules come with nifty animations and simulations, which are fantastic for getting the key concepts across, and you can learn at your own pace.

Lydia Bridgland

Being part of BCFN is highlighting many possibilities for careers in both academia and industry. Through lectures, training and project work I have been given access to a large number of well-established academics across many departments.

Ye Li

The people here are great. While you talk with people from different cultures and backgrounds you will find you improve rapidly. What's more the facilities here are world-class.

Jamie Shenston

I chose the BCFN because it offered many things that a “regular” PhD does not. The specific lecture courses, the training projects and the team of academics involved were the main reasons I was interested in joining the BCFN.

Oliver Gould

If you want to work in a technology or science-based company, the MSc gives you a broad range of skills that makes you much more employable. In terms of science, it is much more about doing what you want than at undergraduate level. If you are interested in a particular field, you are free to pursue that.

Mike Thomas

I spent my three-week international placement at the Max-Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Germany. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to work with and meet academics and researchers at the forefront of research in a very different work environment than I was used to in the UK.

The BCFN Doctoral Training Centre is a unique way to study for a PhD. The introductory year's projects and taught modules provide an incredible insight into the fields of Nanoscience before choosing a PhD topic for the final three years.