Outreach Activities
The POSTDIGITAL+ Doctoral Network is committed to strengthening connections between advanced research and real-world impact. This section showcases outreach activities, collaborations, workshops, and engagement initiatives involving doctoral candidates, academic partners, industry, and the wider innovation ecosystem.
Luca Calçado, Doctoral Candidate within the POSTDIGITAL+ Doctoral Network at Aston University’s Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, contributed as a facilitator to the recent AI-Assisted Innovation for SMEs – West Midlands workshops as part of the project’s outreach and knowledge exchange activities. Across two intensive workshops, more than 70 SMEs engaged in structured AI roadmap development, exploring practical implementation opportunities, innovation priorities, and collaboration pathways. Through direct engagement with participating businesses, the sessions helped translate AI interest into clear and actionable plans while strengthening connections between advanced research and regional innovation.
Luca Calçado, Doctoral Candidate within the POSTDIGITAL+ Doctoral Network at Aston University’s Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, recently participated in a STEM outreach visit to Broadway Academy in Birmingham alongside members of the Aston University Optica & SPIE Student Chapter. During the session, the team engaged with Year 7 and A-level students, introducing them to photonics, research in science and engineering, and pathways into higher education and STEM careers. The activity aimed to make science more accessible and relatable by encouraging curiosity, confidence, and engagement with emerging technologies among younger students.