BANDGAP (Bright And Noble Durrantites Generating Artful Photophysics)  is the annual conference held by and for the Durrant group. Started in 2003 as an annual away day, the conference became an opportunity to catch up with the group’s activities since 2016. The 2-3 day conference offers all postdocs and PhD students a chance to discuss their research, challenges and ideas with others. There is also plenty of time to enjoy outdoor activities, sightseeing and relaxing with the group!

Bandgap 2021, Norfolk, UK

2021 saw a welcome return to an in-person Bandgap, and an end to James' hard-fought battle to persuade the group to visit his native Norfolk. Despite a three-hour fuel crisis-related delay, the group left rainy London in high spirits. A brilliant programme of talks ranged from presentations on spectroscopic techniques to messages of hope from the latest IPCC report, and provided food for thought on how to make our laboratories more sustainable. Reshma Rao took home first prize for her talk on laser-induced temperature jump measurements, while Cindy Tseng, visiting from sunny California, was awarded the runner-up prize. The Norfolk sun did in fact make a very welcome appearance for a Friday afternoon stroll along the beach (and dip in the sea for Richard Pacalaj), but fortunately the rain lasted long enough to ensure an authentically damp experience eating fish and chips on the sea wall. Other culinary highlights included a visit from a wood-fired pizza van as well as a wonderful cooked breakfast both mornings thanks to Yifan Dong. The group successfully limited warming to 1.9 °C by the end of the century during mock climate negotiations, and demonstrated their talents (or lack thereof) on the karaoke machine. 

Bandgap 2020, Zoom, Online

Bandgap 2020 was a virtual edition with the destination of Zoom, in line with the COVID-19 regulations. As usual, group members gave some fascinating presentations on a diverse range of topics, including the sustainability and up-scalability of the materials we research. In addition to scientific talks, the program included how we can effectively utilise data automatisation, and dynamic discussions on our future research directions and strategy. Despite the alternative online format, the speakers stimulated lots of interesting conversations both during and following the event. Inspiring alumni talks also featured, shining light on energy policy and pursuing careers outside of academia, such as consulting. Sustenance for the conference was kindly provided through JustEat vouchers and both days of talks were concluded with instructor led virtual yoga classes, to stretch out before evening drinks and social activities.

Bandgap 2019, Lisbon, Portugal

Bandgap 2018, Malta

Bandgap 2017, Isle of wight

Bandgap 2016, Silwood park, Ascot