Inaugural PhD Futures event brings research, industry and public discussion together at UCL East

Centred around the theme “Lithium, Refining, Recycling, Remembering”, the event brought together perspectives from science, industry and the environmental humanities to explore the environmental and cultural challenges connected to the growing global demand for lithium-ion batteries.

Part of UCL East’s commitment to open inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration, the event created opportunities for doctoral researchers to share their work beyond traditional academic settings while engaging directly with industry and the public.

Research and sustainability

The afternoon began with a welcome address by Vice-Provost (Strategy), Paola Lettieri, before a series of short PhD research pitches introduced audiences to projects addressing sustainability, material recovery and environmental change. Industry responses and an audience Q&A encouraged discussion between speakers, guests and attendees before the evening concluded with networking and informal conversation. Dianna Nguyen, Head of Technical Services at UCL East, chaired the event. 

William Chen, a PhD researcher at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, kicked things off, presenting his research into the sustainable recycling of lithium-ion batteries using hydrometallurgical methods. His work focuses on recovering valuable metals from spent nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cathode materials while reducing environmental impact. Through exploring lower-impact acid leaching processes and more efficient recovery methods, his research aims to support cleaner and more sustainable battery recycling systems.

Yanzhuo Li, another PhD researcher at the UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, shared research focused on recycling critical metals from discarded e-vapes in the UK. His presentation explored ways of reducing chemical waste through the repeated use of citric acid during recycling processes, alongside the recovery of cobalt for future energy technologies.

Alongside the research presentations, attendees also heard from Tom Harrison, UK Technical Sales Manager at Recycleye. Speaking from an industry perspective, Tom reflected on developments in automation and recycling technologies, with visuals on screen showing large-scale robotic sorting systems separating waste materials at speed. The presentation offered insight into how AI and automation are increasingly being used to improve recycling efficiency and material recovery.

Memory, landscape and community

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences researcher Elizabeth Norwood explored the cultural and environmental dimensions of lithium extraction through her work on Cornish biocultural heritage. Drawing on environmental humanities, creative practice and community engagement, her research examines how mining histories, folklore and place-based knowledge shape relationships between communities and landscape.

During her presentation, Elizabeth shared visual references connected to Cornish mining culture, including the image of the folkloric “Knocker”, who would visit tin miners to warn them against rockfall and keep them safe. Her work encouraged audiences to think not only about the technological future of lithium, but also about the cultural histories and identities connected to landscapes shaped by mining industries.

Building conversations beyond academia

Throughout the evening, audience members were encouraged to take part in discussion with speakers, creating opportunities for exchange across disciplines, sectors and communities. These conversations reflected the wider aims of PhD Futures: supporting doctoral researchers to communicate their work beyond academia while building meaningful connections with industry and the public.

As UCL East continues to create spaces for collaboration between research, industry and local communities, the inaugural PhD Futures event marked the beginning of a new platform for exploring how academic research can contribute to more sustainable, inclusive and connected futures.

Students, researchers and members of the public interested in future events are encouraged to join upcoming PhD Futures sessions and take part in conversations shaping research and innovation at UCL East.