Student wins grant for high-tech laser research

A postgraduate has been awarded a scholarship for his work on high-tech crystal lasers by one of the world’s largest professional engineering bodies.
Richard TaylorRichard Taylor
Richard Taylor

Richard Taylor, 25, from Gainsborough Place, Aylesbury, has been awarded an Institution of Engineering and Technology Postgraduate Scholarship, worth £2500.

The University of Sheffield student received the scholarship for his work on designing photonic crystal lasers.

Richard said: “There are so many great students doing wonderful research in the UK, so to receive such a prestigious award from the IET is a great honour.

“I have been working on this project for a few years now and it is fantastic to receive recognition for the research conducted.

“With this scholarship I will be able to collaborate with researchers from the University of Tokyo to develop new photonic devices and technologies.”

The scholarship aims to encourage excellence in research in the fields of electrical, electronic, communications, manufacturing or power engineering at a university in the UK.

Richard, who attended Bierton and Grenville primary schools and later Buckingham secondary school said: “My primary focus will be on finishing my PhD.

“My ambitions are to continue doing scientific research and developing my understanding of photonics.

“I hope to eventually hold an academic post.”

The scholarship awarded to Richard is part of a series that IET are set to present this year.