Royal Commission Industrial Fellowship awarded to researcher

A PhD researcher at the University of Leicester has been awarded a prestigious Industrial Fellowship by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, to develop solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges.

Amelia Markfort, who is investigating how machine learning can be used to process the data collected from single photon imaging detectors, was awarded a share of the £100,000 fund.

Set up by Prince Albert to organise the Great Exhibition of 1851 and extended in perpetuity to invest the profits in UK innovation, the Commission has been supporting promising research ever since. For 170 years it has provided crucial support to advance R&D and help to make UK industry more competitive internationally.

Speaking today, Amelia Markfort, PhD researcher at the University of Leicester said: “I am very excited about the impact of this work in unlocking new insights in scientific fields where large datasets are unrealistic or unattainable.

“This is especially the case in improving the capabilities of space science instrumentation that is so vital for helping us learn more about our universe.”

Bernard Taylor, Chairman of the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, said: “The Industrial Fellowship programme is a crucial link between British research institutions and businesses, with a specific focus on producing tangible, commercial benefits for all.

“This year is one of the largest ever cohorts of Industrial Fellows, representing some of the best and brightest researchers in British industry. Their work will bring together the new ideas of academia and the agility of industry, to make a significant impact in a wide range of fields, including biotechnology, artificial intelligence and telecommunications.”

Through the Industrial Fellowships, the Commission brings together industry and academia to create commercially viable research and solutions for the mutual benefit of all. Fellows conduct their doctoral research with a company in their chosen industry, bringing academic expertise and approaches to a commercial operation. This enables students to investigate new ways of thinking about traditional problems, and forge exciting career opportunities. The programme also equips companies with cutting-edge research without the premium price tag and strengthens links between universities and commercial organisations.

Industrial Fellowships provide funding of up to £100,000, covering salary contributions, university fees and costs for doctoral studies for up to 3 years of research. The output of such an investment is estimated at £2 million a year in intellectual property, developing crucial new technologies and scientific advances that advance research fields and British industrial players. During the Fellowship, students are provided with support from academic and industrial supervisors.