Case studies
Postdoctoral researchers that have engaged in C-DICE activities have seen all kinds of personal, career, and research benefits.
Explore the stories below to see how postdoctoral researchers from different backgrounds have made the most of C-DICE support – and how it’s helped shape their journeys.
C-DICE’s support has been a key enabler of progress. Structured workshops and proposal guidance helped our team of three take a research idea from concept to a working lab-scale prototype.
It has also offered mentoring, visibility, and international travel support, accelerating research and opening new doors in the energy sector.
Dr Lizzie Ashton
Senior Research Associate
Loughborough University
I had the opportunity to turn an emerging idea into a national initiative through C-DICE funding and mentorship. With my team Sahar and Grace, whom I first met during the C-DICE workshops, we created the NetZero Digital Twin Alliance.
This journey has been truly transformative, building my skills and a growing digital twin innovation community.
Dr Seif Nasri
Research Associate
Aston University
My first independent grant – the C-DICE Ambassadorship – supported a collaborative, cross-institutional project with multiple UK universities and industrial partners.
C-DICE has been instrumental in shaping my postdoctoral career and enabling my transition into academic leadership.
Dr Deblina Majumder
Research Associate
Newcastle University
The C-DICE sandpit gave me the confidence to pitch my research vision to interdisciplinary peers and helped me build essential skills in team management, collaboration, proposal preparation, and budgeting.
This has been instrumental in helping me secure competitive funding and explore innovative solutions to today’s challenges.
Dr Stefan Warrington
Vice-Chancellor’s Independent Research Fellow
Loughborough University
Being part of C-DICE has broadened my understanding of academia across organisations and helped me to develop a range of skills which will be invaluable whatever path my future career takes.
During my secondment, I developed a practical toolkit to help others understand and measure impact of their work in meeting net zero ambitions..
Dr Bryony Bowman
Research Fellow
University of Birmingham
Participating in the C-DICE postdoc-led training was invaluable. It has strengthened my leadership and project management skills, and boosted my confidence in mentoring, collaboration, and designing interdisciplinary training.
C-DICE has had a lasting impact on my professional and academic growth.
Dr Yiuri Jiang
Research Fellow
Cranfield University
