51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Dr Mark Friddin was an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellow from 2019 to 2024, and is now Technical Expert (Banknotes) at the Bank of England.

“When I applied for an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellowship, I had worked for around three years as a postdoc, had strong research outputs and was starting to plan my trajectory as independent research scientist.”

By providing a platform to pursue an independent reach agenda, the fellowship steered my career by exposing me to the highs, lows and challenges of life as a Principal Investigator. Dr Mark Friddin

The fellowship came at perfect time for Mark. “By giving me the freedom to pursue an independent research agenda, the fellowship helped me transition from postdoctoral researcher to independent investigator. It exposed me to the realities of leading research - the successes, the challenges and everything in between.”

During his fellowship at the Dyson School of Design and Engineering, Mark focused on microfluidics and 3D bioprinting at the Dyson School of Design and Engineering. He also co-led the School’s Advanced Manufacturing Group, working across bioprinting, artificial cell engineering and rapid prototyped microfluidics.

“The highlights that stand out from my time as a fellow included establishing new collaborations with likeminded academics and research fellows, supervising incredible students who went on to win prizes for their work in my lab, and witnessing my ideas become realities in the lab and publishing these outputs.”

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges of the fellowship is determining what success looks like. This is something that only you can decide. Dr Mark Friddin

The 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellowship is designed for early-career researchers who want to establish scientific independence and focus on developing their research programme over four years.

“A strong ICRF candidate needs to be confident, decisive and proactive in developing their own research direction. Departmental support is also crucial - having colleagues who champion your work makes a huge difference. Perhaps one of the greatest challenges is determining what success looks like for you and your career, and this is something that only you can decide.”

Mark’s fellowship also prepared him for opportunities beyond academia.

“Today I work as a Technical Expert at the Bank of England. The fellowship taught me resilience, strategy, and time management – skills that have been invaluable in my career.”

Dr Mark Friddin was an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellow from 2019 to 2024. Find out how an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellowship could shape your future and apply today.