2024 Cluster hui - Annual Report 2024

14 June, 2025

Thin Films Hui, 24-26 June 2024

30 researchers, from undergraduate students right through to the most veteran of researchers, attended the Thin Films Hui in the atmospheric setting of the Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune, at the base of Mt Ruapehu. The two-and-a-half-day mix of tutorial-style presentations on thin film growth, basic and advanced characterisation methods, 15-minute student and 30-minute postdoc research talks included a workshop dinner and a wind-down quiz put on by Associate Investigator Dr Daniel Sando. The days were described as "long but worthwhile" and there were even a few chances to step out at lunchtime and enjoy the scenery without the dreary weather dampening enthusiasm too much.

Group photo of the Thin Films Hui attendees

Topics covered thin film growth, lab x-ray techniques and magnetic and electronic properties of materials, and included Professor Joe Trodahl's tutorial on Raman spectroscopy, Deputy Director Māori Associate Professor Pauline Harris' talk on mātauranga Māori (just in time for Matariki) and three special international guests: Dr Grace Causer, Dr Pablo Mota Santiago and Peggy Zhang from Australia, who gave excellent tutorials on neutron, synchrotron and probe microscopy techniques.

Big thanks to the Thin Film Hui 2024 organisers: Principal Investigators Associate Professor Franck Natali and Dr Simon Granville and Associate Investigators Dr Will Holmes-Hewett and Dr Daniel Sando.

Stimuli Responsive Materials Hui, 24-25 October 2024

The Stimuli Responsive Materials Hui was a two-day workshop on topics related to Reconfigurable Systems research, held at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury University's Cass Field Station in the Craigieburns. The event was attended by nine people, including Investigators and PhD students, and they all gave presentations relevant to the theme. Each talk was followed by discussion, and the students received feedback on their work and suggested avenues for future investigation. The group also discussed internal MacDiarmid Institute business and the possibility of future follow-up events.

Attendees at the Stimuli Responsive Materials Hui in October 2024

Hui attendees had the opportunity to stretch their legs during a visit to Arthur's Pass and the Devil's Punchbowl waterfall on the second day, and they really appreciated the fact that the remote location offered them a break from their busy schedules to focus on research discussion. Congratulations to Associate Investigator Professor Catherine Bishop and Principal Investigator Professor Volker Nock on organising such a successful event.

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