Secondments
Secondments are a core component of the LESIA project. Through short- and medium-term research stays at partner organisations, researchers gain access to complementary expertise, specialised facilities and new scientific environments.
These exchanges enable hands-on collaboration across disciplines and sectors, supporting both the project’s research objectives and the professional development of participating staff.
Melaku Mekuria (UNITS to UP)
Melaku Mekuria, PhD student
Melaku Mekuria carried out a secondment at CATRIN (UP) on the synthesis and study of chiral carbon quantum dots, investigating how chirality influences material properties for energy applications.
Home institution: UNITS
Host institution: UP
Secondment duration: 10/10/2025 to 10/04/2026
Keywords: Chiral carbon quantum dots, nanomaterials, chirality, energy applications, surface interfaces
Waqas Hakim (UNITS to UP)
Waqas Hakim, PhD student
Waqas Hakim completed a secondment at UP focused on the synthesis of MXene-based quantum dots and the modification of their surface chemistry for energy production and storage applications.
Home institution: UNITS
Host institution: UP
Secondment duration: 11/05/2025 to 10/08/2025, 02/10/2025 to 31/01/2026
Keywords: MXene quantum dots, surface chemistry, energy storage, energy production, nanomaterials
Ievgen Obraztsov (UP to KIT)
Ievgen Obraztsov, Senior Researcher
Ievgen Obraztsov carried out a secondment at KIT focused on the fabrication and laser structuring of high–mass-loading graphite anodes to enhance ion transport and mechanical stability in alkali metal-ion batteries.
Home institution: UP
Host institution: KIT
Secondment duration: 21/07/2025 to 22/08/2025
Keywords: Graphite anodes, laser structuring, high mass loading, ion transport, alkali metal-ion batteries
Smita Talande (UP to KIT)
Smita Talande, Postdoc
Smita Talande completed a secondment focused on laser micro-structuring of functional graphene-based electrodes, optimising laser parameters to enhance electrochemical performance while preserving electrode integrity.
Home institution: UP
Host institution: KIT
Secondment duration: 19/07/2025 to 23/08/2025
Keywords: Laser processing, electrode micro-structuring, graphene-based electrodes, electrochemical performance, energy storage