Submitted by Paula Block on Wed, 08/10/2025 - 16:05
We’re thrilled to welcome Cohort 2 to the FIBE3 CDT programme!
This dynamic group of 9 students, each bringing unique academic perspectives, kicked off their CDT journey with a lively and engaging Induction Week, designed to foster connection, build confidence, and lay the foundation for collaborative research.
Cohort 2 outside the Civil Engineering Building.
The week began with engaging presentations from Cohort 2, where each student shared their academic background and research interests. This gave the CDT community a valuable opportunity to get to know the new cohort, celebrate their diverse expertise, and begin building meaningful connections from day one. Induction activities included energising team-building games led by the Centre for Languages and Inter-Communication (CLIC) in the Department of Engineering, setting a positive tone for group dynamics and interdisciplinary collaboration. Cohort 2 also had the opportunity to meet fellow student mentors from the same research fields, who generously shared their experiences, insights, and advice to help guide the new cohort through the early stages of their PhD journey.
A communication skills workshop with 3 different actors, equipped the students with tools to navigate different personality types and enhance interpersonal effectiveness - skills that are essential for both academic and professional success. The cohort also took part in an outreach planning session, where they began brainstorming creative and engaging ideas for interactive games and activities for the upcoming Cambridge Festival. This session not only deepened the cohort’s commitment to public engagement, but also powerfully reinforced the programme’s dedication to sustainability and advanced the mission of FIBE3 CDT to unlock Net Zero. By linking their research to real-world challenges, students were empowered to think creatively about how to communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging ways by designing interactive games for young children that bring Engineering to life at Cambridge Festival.
To support wellbeing and cohort-bonding, a dedicated session featuring team building games will help to strengthen bonds, boost morale, and create a supportive environment for the years ahead. The week concludes with an expectation-setting session, offering space for reflection and discussion around the challenges and opportunities of the PhD journey and at the same time, helping to prepare Cohort 2 for the exciting years ahead in their PhD journey. Good luck Cohort 2!