International Exchange Award: Exploring ion beam applications for wide band gap materials

Prof Meiyong Liao (left) and Dr Nianhua Peng (right) at the National Institute for Materials Science

Nianhua Peng, a Liaison Fellow at the University of Surrey was awarded an M4QN international exchange award to visit Prof Meiyong Liao at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Japan. The visit took place from 26-27 March 2026.

Exploring ion beam applications for wide band gap materials

The short visit enabled face to face discussions between Nianhua from the Surrey Ion Beam centre and the team at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) on the topic of ion beam applications for wide band gap materials. They discussed a number of interesting projects that they will work together on moving forwards. The ion beam facilities will play a key role for the initial preparation of designed materials, followed by detailed characterisation at NIMS.

Visit Outcomes

Those involved intend to apply for funding together in the future. They will also promote collaboration on training of young researchers, encouraging UK students to have short study visits to NIMS, and encouraging Japanese students to attend activities organised by Surrey Ion Beam Centre and other UK institutes.