This year, we have our biggest cohort yet, and we've just finished a three-week induction. The first week kicked off with an introduction to the IDC, followed by a visit to the Great Escape Game in Sheffield, where two teams battled to escape a submarine first. Clare's team won! After all that hard work, it was time to go for dinner at Revolucion de Cuba and meet up with the other current students.
Tuesday was a trip to the AMRC, where we went through Health & Safety, toured all the different buildings, and ate cake (for Chez's birthday). On Wednesday and Thursday, we welcomed Steve Hutchinson, who gave a course on effective doctoral research, accompanied by some amazing drawings! We finished off the week with an espionage mission around the city, and a delicious lunch at The Devonshire pub.
The second week was devoted entirely to the Machining Challenge at the AMRC Training Centre, where we learnt about the various machines, and how to use them to produce the desired results. This was well enjoyed by all, and a really good way to learn about the AMRC.
We met on campus again to start the third week, with a session on Unconscious Bias by Pete Jones, and then presentations by second, third and fourth year students, featuring an unconventional, yet true, family tree of the IDC management team (Clare is in charge)! The middle of the week was devoted to launch meetings, trips to industry sponsor, and impromptu journeys to Stuttgart. Finally we all met at the Underbank Reservoir for a rather soggy day of orienteering, climbing, leaps of faith and archery, accompanied by five furry friends who were a welcome addition to our team.
What a way to start the year!