Fiona is appointed to the Faraday Institution’s Training and Diversity Panel
Dr Fiona Coomer, Echion’s Research and Development Programme Manager has been appointed to the Faraday Institution’s Training and Diversity Panel. As a member of the panel, Fiona will advise the Faraday Institution on how to create a dynamic and diverse pool of talent fit to serve the battery technology sector of the future.
Fiona brings a wealth of experience in the battery sector, including senior positions at Johnson Matthey Battery Materials and Reading University. As R&D Programme Manager at Echion, Fiona is responsible for the future development of the company’s XNO® technology; a niobium-based anode material capable of uniquely unlocking ultra-fast charging, high energy density, long cycle life capabilities in lithium-ion batteries for use in heavy duty and industrial transport applications.
Following her appointment, Fiona said: “Joining the Faraday Institution’s Training and Diversity panel is an honour and I look forward to working with my fellow panel members to achieve the institution’s goals. As governments around the world strive to achieve ambitious decarbonisation targets, the battery industry’s demand for workers with a broad range of skills and knowledge will continue to grow at pace. Attracting STEM talent from a diverse range of backgrounds to work in the battery industry is crucial to securing the long-term success of our industry and I am proud to be a part of a panel working to achieve this.”
Supporting Fiona’s appointment is one example of Echion’s commitment to supporting diversity across the battery industry. Alex Groombridge, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Echion, said: “Fiona’s appointment to the Faraday Institution’s Training and Diversity panel is well-deserved recognition of her commitment to supporting the career development of her colleagues. At Echion, we invest in our people, and Fiona is an instrumental part of how we do it. I have no doubt that the ideas and expertise that Fiona will bring to the panel will help the Faraday Institution move closer to achieving its training and diversity goals and ultimately contribute to the success of the wider battery industry. Congratulations Fiona!”
Echion also provides support to the Faraday Institution talent development initiatives by offering three-month internships to PhD researchers based at UK universities who are working on energy storage. Internships can prove pivotal in defining career steps post PhD and build relationships that lead to future employment. For more information on the PhD internship initiative, visit faraday.ac.uk/career-development/phd-internship-programme.