20 Feb UGPN Research Café Webinar Series
The UGPN is pleased to announce the launching of its 2026 Research Café Webinar Series
The UGPN invites colleagues from the partner institutions to participate in online research Cafés to identify synergies and foster collaboration across the Network.
The Inaugural Café was held on 12 February 2026 when attendees were invited to a virtual conversation about the UGPN Research Collaboration Fund (RCF), which provides seed-funding for innovative and interdisciplinary research projects. The 2026 RCF call for proposals focuses on clean and reliable energy solutions.
The online Research Café convened researchers from NC State University, the Universidade de São Paulo (USP) and the University of Surrey (UoS) to build connections and generate ideas for joint RCF proposals. Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions about the funding programme.
The running order was as follows:
Introductions
- Welcome and Introduction: Professor Sergio Persival Baroncini Proença, USP
- Introduction to the RCF Programme and Operation: Dr Amy Conger, NC State University
- RCF 2026 Theme: Professor Amelia Hadfield, UoS and Chair, UGPN Executive Committee
Lightning Talks on the Energy Theme
- NC State: Batteries
- UoS: AI and Energy
- USP: Bioenergy
Researcher Brainstorming and Engagement
Following the success of this first event, the Network is currently finalising the scheduling of two further Cafés in March and April – watch this space for further details!