THREE university students have scooped the AWE and Armourers and Brasiers’ Prizes for outstanding achievements in materials science research.

Maxima Kennedy from Aston University received the AWE-Armourers and Brasiers’ Placement Prize.

Chris Miltiadou and Jesal Raval, both of the University of Surrey, won Best Overall Performance in a Masters-level module and Best Overall Performance in an Individual Undergraduate Materials Project respectively.

Materials science is a key area of focus for AWE scientists, being integral to the assessment of the performance, reliability and safety of the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Partnering with the Armourers and Brasiers’ Company, AWE aims to promote materials science as a rewarding career path and inspire future generations of UK scientists.

The Armourers and Brasiers' Gauntlet Trust, an independent charity established in 1322 and closely associated with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, supports the promotion and development of materials science research in the UK.

Each of their projects span different areas of materials science.

Mr Raval’s study centred on the improvement of algorithms for reconstructing teeth via advanced 3D-tomography.

Ms Kennedy's work focused on enhanced analysis techniques in environmental discharge monitoring, and Mr Miltiadou looked into the effects of environmental temperatures on composite wind turbine blades when exposed to gravitational loading.