The Warwick Battery Days (WBD 2024) conference, co-organised by Warwick Chemistry and Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), was a resounding success. This two-day event was the very first edition of the annual WBD series, which brought together a diverse group of speakers, including computational and experimental experts from both academia and industry.

The conference covered a wide range of topics in Battery R&D, such as Battery Materials and Chemistry, Imaging and Characterization Techniques, Electrochemical Properties and Dynamics, Modelling and Simulations, Material Performance and Degradation, Solid-State Batteries, Manufacturing and Commercialization, and Sustainability, with a focus on Li-ion and alternative chemistries.

The talks were delivered by a well-balanced mix of established academics, early-career researchers, and industry experts, including Warwick-based delegates and those from external institutions. The conference featured three keynote talks by esteemed speakers, David Greenwood from WMG, Saiful Islam from the University of Oxford, and Emma Kendrick from the University of Birmingham. Additionally, there were 12 invited and 4 contributed talks alongside 5 industry talks, providing a well-rounded perspective on the latest developments in battery technology and the industrial priorities.

The poster session showcased around 35 posters, contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas among the participants, and offering an important opportunity for emerging researchers to discuss their work. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) recognised the presenters of the top three posters with certificates and book vouchers. The event was attended by over 100 individuals from various UK universities, companies, and international organisations, with 40% coming from different Warwick departments, highlighting the extensive battery research community at Warwick. Notably, the conference had 21 different affiliations, with 10% of attendees from industry and a significant 90% from academia.

The Warwick Battery Days 2024 was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors such as UKRI/EPSRC, University of Warwick STEM Connect Ideas Factory Funding, Royal Society of Chemistry, BioLogic Ltd, and Waters Ltd. The conference not only highlighted the cutting-edge research and innovations in the field of battery technology but also fostered new collaborations and networking among the brightest minds in the sector.