About TYC

The Thomas Young Centre (TYC) is a leading London-based interdisciplinary research network bringing together around 100 research groups across Imperial College London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, UCL, Brunel University of London, and London Southbank University. For over 20 years, we have connected researchers working in materials and molecular modelling, theoretical chemistry, and related disciplines to tackle challenges in science, industry and society.

TYC provides a collaborative environment where researchers can build partnerships, access world-class training, engage with industry, attend international events, and develop the next generation of advances in materials and molecular science.

We provide:

• An interdisciplinary research community at the cutting-edge of materials and molecular modelling research, that fosters collaboration, networking and scientific excellence.
• A diverse and extensive programme of seminars, workshops, conferences, masterclasses and networking events featuring leading academic and industry experts.
• Training, mentoring, funding and mobility opportunities to support PhD students and early career researchers in developing their careers.
• Industrial partnerships, consultancy, training and collaborative research opportunities across a wide range of sectors.
• A leading graduate training programme, providing researchers with a rigorous foundation in materials and molecular modelling, spanning electronic structure theory, quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, data-driven modelling, machine learning and advanced computational methods.

Why is materials & molecular modelling important?

Almost every aspect of modern life involves materials and benefits from advances in materials modelling. Renewal energy, mobile phones, medications, intelligent textiles and much else that we now take for granted, all rely on materials. In addition, many processes in the natural world, ranging from the growth of ice in the upper atmosphere all the way to diseases caused by protein mis-folding also involve the properties of materials. Many of today’s challenges, such as climate change, energy production and healthcare demand powerful methods for probing the properties of a vast range of materials.

Recent years have seen significant advances in the accuracy, realism, and predictive capabilities of tools for the theory and simulation of materials. Predictive modelling has now become a powerful tool which can also deliver real value through application and innovation to the nano, chemical and process industries. It forms an essential part of the research and development effort of many of the world’s leading organisations and can be incredibly valuable for businesses. Simulation methods can be routinely used across industry to accelerate product development, increase efficiency, and provide fundamental understanding.

Used in combination with good analysis and experimentation, materials and molecular modelling can drive progress, save time, effort, and resource. Results are tangible, available quickly and project relevant. It can be used to solve real issues and problems and advance state-of-the-art research.