Dr Dyfed Morgan : Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Champion – a video case study.
Dyfed Morgan completed his PhD at Bangor University and works at MSparc science park as a Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Champion. Dyfed says,
“I decided to do the KESS 2 scholarship after doing a master’s degree at Bangor University. I did research in the craft beer industry in North Wales and my tutor suggested I apply for KESS 2 funding. The focus of the work was to look at sustainability within the craft beer sector in Wales. Part of the project was to develop a calculator to measure the [carbon] footprint of the breweries, then giving advice on how to reduce their footprint.
I think having the opportunity to work with the sector was very important for my project, because I was relying on the data from the company but was also able to go out and meet the people, and see where they worked … forming the relationships with different companies which means that the work can continue with not only with the other members of the project [but for] other people who support the project as the college. But also if you decide to continue doing research or go to work in the industry there is still potential and opportunities for jobs at the end.
The highlight of KESS 2 for me was having the opportunity to go to conferences abroad. I went to conferences in France, developed Life Cycle Assessment skills, and I also enjoyed doing the Grad School; I went to Gregynog Hall, and met other students who were also going through [similar, research related] problems and stress. I was able to publish three pieces of work which then formed the chapters in my thesis. I also created a network of companies that did not exist prior to the project.
As for challenges; as the COVID-19 pandemic was starting, causing people to have to stay at home, that was the period when I started writing my thesis, so it was quite a difficult and lonely period. My advice would be to do something that you are really interested in. If you find something that you really enjoy studying, it makes the process a lot easier. Also I would certainly suggest thinking, if that option is there, to publish the work as the chapters are written as that takes the weight off in the end when you come to the VIVA, and it gives you some kind of assurance that you have completed a piece of good work.
I would like to see this type of program continue. I think it is important to see collaboration between industry and academia, as having a project like this draws them together. I think there is a big advantage for the businesses to have the research that is done for them and help them on their journey of whatever the project is to develop their company. It is also of course an advantage for the University from a research perspective.”
