Grants to Support Knowledge Exchange - Sarah Pedroni
Sarah Pedroni, 2026 Grant to Support Knowledge Exchange recipient, shares her experience.
Thanks to the support of the IOM3 Grants to Support Knowledge Exchange, I was able to attend and present my PhD research at the 2026 Global Polymer Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. This opportunity allowed me to share my work on 3D microstructural simulations of carbon black reinforcement in rubber with a diverse audience of leading global experts.
Presenting to a unique mix of academic and industrial professionals gave me invaluable feedback. It was an incredible networking experience that allowed me to connect with peers and leaders in the field. The environment challenged me to explain complex computational data clearly to non-specialists, while helping me refine my models against real-world constraints rather than just theoretical benchmarks.
Following the summit, I travelled to Atlanta for a three-week research placement with my PhD sponsor, Birla Carbon. Working directly with their team allowed me to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industrial application.
Ultimately, this entire experience has been essential in validating my research and shaping the next steps of my work. More importantly, it has been deeply rewarding on a personal level, boosting my confidence as an early-career researcher and significantly expanding my professional network.
Sarah Pedroni
PhD Candidate in Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London
