GEIC Engineering Director joins 2DMoT CDT Advisory Board
John Whittaker, Engineering Director at the , is delighted to announce his appointment to the international advisory board of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT CDT). The new CDT builds on the legacy of The University of Manchester鈥檚 pioneering Graphene NOWNANO CDT and is designed to shape the next generation of leaders in the fast-evolving field of 2D materials.
Reflecting on his new role John said, 鈥淚t鈥檚 a real privilege to be part of this initiative. The 2DMoT CDT doesn鈥檛 just focus on academic excellence - it brings research to life by connecting it with industry, impact, and innovation. I鈥檓 excited to work alongside these emerging researchers and help create a space where science and real-world application go hand in hand.鈥�
Funded by the EPSRC, the 2DMoT CDT will welcome its first student cohort in September 2025. The programme is a collaboration between The University of Manchester and the University of Cambridge, with initial training and the majority of research projects based in Manchester. The CDT offers an intensive four-year PhD that focuses on the science and application of the rapidly growing family of two-dimensional (2D) materials. It provides a unique training environment that blends academic excellence with industry collaboration and innovation opportunities.
The CDT aligns closely with the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE)鈥檚 vision and the University鈥檚 ambition to define the role of a great civic university in the 21st century. Advanced materials is one of FSE鈥檚 core research beacons, and the CDT builds on this by promoting employability, interdisciplinary training, and values-driven partnerships. Rooted in innovation and a strong sense of purpose, the programme reflects our commitment to global impact, local engagement, and an inclusive student experience.
This vision is brought to life through the work of the GEIC, where John serves as Engineering Director. As one of the UK鈥檚 leading centres for the commercialisation of 2D materials, the GEIC transforms early-stage research into real-world applications, helping businesses navigate the crucial 鈥榤iddle ground鈥� of technology readiness (TRLs 4鈥�7). With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, industrial partnerships, and translational focus, the GEIC plays a central role in the advanced materials ecosystem. John鈥檚 involvement in the CDT advisory board strengthens the pipeline between research and industry - ensuring doctoral students gain not only technical excellence, but the commercial awareness needed to drive innovation from lab to market.
The CDT鈥檚 impact also extends into Manchester鈥檚 wider innovation landscape through Unit M - a bold, University-led initiative to accelerate discovery, innovation, and inclusive economic growth. Unit M connects research, industry, investors, and civic partners to unlock the full potential of the region鈥檚 innovation ecosystem. By developing skilled researchers and fostering academic鈥搃ndustry collaboration, the CDT plays a valuable role in supporting Unit M鈥檚 mission to drive prosperity across Greater Manchester and beyond.
This collaborative spirit is further exemplified by the new Manchester鈥揅ambridge partnership, with the CDT as one of its early flagship initiatives. By linking two of the UK鈥檚 most dynamic innovation economies, the partnership brings together Manchester鈥檚 strengths in industry-facing innovation with Cambridge鈥檚 academic excellence and world-class startup culture. Together, they represent a new model for university collaboration 鈥� one rooted in purpose, people, and place 鈥� that challenges traditional boundaries and redefines what鈥檚 possible when research, talent, and enterprise move hand in hand.
As John steps into this advisory role, his appointment is a reflection not only of his leadership at GEIC but of the broader vision to ensure that materials science remains one of the UK鈥檚 greatest engines of innovation.