Unique Global Talent VISA provides flexible research platform for PhD student
A PhD student at GCU is about to conclude his research, which has been made possible through a unique VISA which provides a flexible platform for researchers – the only student at GCU currently to have been accepted onto the VISA!
Nour Morsi has been conducting PhD research on Robotics and focusing on the adaptive inspection automation for aerospace, which is about to conclude later this month.
Nour began his academic journey at the University of Strathclyde, where he completed his BEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering. From there, Nour came across the opportunity to work on research in a niche area of robotics and decided to approach a supervisor at GCU, where he was soon accepted onto the PhD programme.
To help support his research, Nour decided to apply for the Global Talent VISA, which enables the best tech talent from around the world to work in the UK’s digital technology sector, contributing to their cutting-edge expertise and creative skills.
The VISA allows researchers a flexible platform to conduct their research with the stability of not having to regularly update their VISA status. Nour is currently the only student at GCU to have been accepted onto the VISA, which has now supported him to complete his PhD research.
Nour’s journey from the University of Strathclyde to conducting a PhD at GCU
“I’ll go back to 2020, where I was in Glasgow and I had just completed my Batchelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. I was looking for my next step and at that point I had a couple of options; a Masters or a PhD. I had approached one of the supervisors at GCU about a PhD in Robotics and because he was aware of my knowledge and background, he offered me the PhD position. This was an amazing opportunity for me, especially since I had just completed my Batchelors – it was quite a jump!
The criteria to start the PhD was to have a Distinction in my Batchelors’ degree, which I had, and it all started from there. The focus of the PhD is looking at using robotics in inspection applications for the aerospace industry. The automotive industry currently uses robotics in their manufacturing. Looking at companies like Mercedes and Porsche, they’ll be processing thousands of cars a day and robotics can make that so much more efficient.
At the moment, the aerospace industry cant justify using robotics since they only need to produce maybe a thousand planes a year. We’re trying to make the use of robotics systems more adaptable to have the ability to be used across multiple applications, rather than what is traditionally just one application.
At GCU, I have also had the privilege of starting a robotics lab which is now based in the Charles Oakley building. For me, it was a real unique experience to have the chance to develop the lab as I’m aware of colleagues in different universities who have never had the opportunity to do something like this. Since I come from a Mechanical Engineering background, it was a real learning curve for me so it was a great experience. One of my supervisors has some strong links with the aerospace industry, so we were able to include pieces from an Airbus A320 in the lab. I did some tests on them and it helped me conclude my PhD. I have my final VIVA on the 6th of August so I’ll be finished very soon!”
Being accepted onto the Global Talent VISA
“It was great feeling! At the time where I found out, I was about to start a new job and everything had to be put on hold until I knew that was outcome was. I was ecstatic when it was accepted, because sometimes I can be a bit too realistic and lower my expectations so it was a real relief.”
Choosing Scotland as a place of study
“There were a couple of reasons! One of the main ones was the level of friendliness here. Before choosing where to study, I did some research into both University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University in terms of the student experience.
From what I read, GCU was a great university for their student experience and their level of support. I can’t emphasise how good my supervisor was in how he helped me with my research. At the start, I didn’t have any programming experience due to my background in Mechanical Engineering. My supervisor was so patient with me, especially since I was having to learn about it from the very beginning.
I also chose Scotland for the weather! I have spent some time in Abu Dhabi where the temperatures can range from 30 to 50 degrees, so I needed a change.”
The benefits of holding a Global Talent VISA
“The flexibility of the VISA has been so important for me. Knowing that I don’t have to worry about my next steps is really reassuring. It’s also knowing that I’m not restricted to time and that I don’t have to necessarily rush anything.
Circumstances can change and sometimes you’ll need to ask for an extension on your work, but with this VISA it means that I don’t have to apply for a separate VISA. For research based roles, they are usually contracted so there isn’t a great level of flexibility but the Global Talent VISA creates that flexibility.”
Find out more about VISA information and support on the GCU VISA webpage
By Rachael McAlonan
Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media