Grants to Support Knowledge Exchange - James Smith

James Smith, 2024 Grant to Support Knowledge Exchange recipient shares his experience on the process.

My participation at the European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (ECCOMAS) in Lisbon was thanks to IOM3 and the Grant to Support Knowledge Exchange.

ECCOMAS is a large conference that presents many opportunities for young researchers. In my field of Machine Learning Methods for Multiscale and Multiphysics Material Modeling, I was able to discuss my PhD work with leading experts. Additionally, I was able to explore the latest topics in my field as well as adjacent topics. ECCOMAS offered dedicated sessions to early career delegates which provided career guidance and gave a dedicated space to practice networking skills.

Such a large-scale conference comes with added costs to attendees, so I was very grateful for the support from IOM3 and the Grants to Support Knowledge Exchange. The application process was simple, and the institutes focus on the sustainability cost of attending was an interesting challenge for applicants to think about.

I returned from the conference with new perspectives, new ideas and renewed inspiration to finish my project. Thanks once again to IOM3 for their support.