Heriot-Watt University, CCUS & Reactive Flow Simulation Chair Held By Professor Eric Mackay
Dates: November 19-20, 2024
The Energi Simulation Advisory Board event, chaired by Professor Eric Mackay, was held at Heriot-Watt University on November 19-20, 2024. The event spanned two days, providing a platform for students and Energi Simulation board members to engage, share insights, and discuss the ongoing and future research initiatives under Professor Eric Mackay’s leadership.
Day 1: November 19, 2024
The event commenced with a lunch that allowed students and board members to meet and interact informally. This initial gathering set a congenial tone for the day’s proceedings, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for open communication.
Following lunch, Professor Eric Mackay delivered an extensive presentation that encompassed the broad scope of activities undertaken by his research group. He outlined the various research projects currently in progress, the sources of funding supporting these endeavours, and the significant outputs achieved thus far. Professor Mackay highlighted the contributions of his students, showcasing their research activities and progress; he also mentioned that two of the students that are approaching completion have successfully secured job offers and will be moving to work in industry soon. Moreover, he discussed the various collaborations with other institutions and industry partners, emphasizing the importance of these partnerships in advancing their research objectives.
A notable part of Professor Mackay’s presentation was the introduction of a new research centre established in collaboration with Arne Skauge at Heriot-Watt University. This centre aims to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation. The new webpage for the centre, EnergiSimulation@site.hw.ac.uk, was also unveiled, providing a digital platform for sharing research updates and engaging with the wider community.
Following Professor Mackay’s presentation, Richard Stevenson from Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage (SCCS) took the stage. He provided an insightful overview of the activities conducted by SCCS, detailing the various projects and initiatives they are currently undertaking. He also elaborated on the collaborative efforts between SCCS and Heriot-Watt University, highlighting the synergy between the two institutions in advancing research in carbon capture and storage.
The day continued with presentations from six PhD students from Professor Mackay’s research group. Each student presented their research progress, showcasing the depth and diversity of their work. The presenters included:
The first day concluded with a dinner event, which provided another opportunity for informal discussions and networking among the board members and students. The dinner fostered a sense of community and collaboration, reinforcing the connections made throughout the day.
Day 2: November 20, 2024
The second day of the event began with a formal meeting between Professor Mackay and the advisory board. During this session, Professor Mackay presented detailed insights into the chair program, outlining its objectives and the strategic plans for its future development. He provided a comprehensive overview of the funding strategies and allocations, ensuring the board was well-informed about the financial aspects supporting their research activities.
Following the meeting, an engaging poster event was held in the Conoco lounge. All students from Professor Mackay’s group participated, presenting their research posters to the board members. This interactive session allowed for direct discussions, enabling board members to provide feedback and engage deeply with the students’ work.
The advisory board event concluded with a lunch, followed by a final meeting where the board provided feedback to Professor Mackay. This feedback session was invaluable, offering constructive insights and recommendations to guide the future direction of the research group.
