From 13–17 July 2026, Toby Maccormack from Cohort 9 visited the CP2M (Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials) laboratory, a joint research unit of CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 and CPE Lyon. The research placement directly contributed to the progress of his PhD project by providing access to an industrially relevant multi-channel continuous flow reactor developed by KHIMOD, enabling the evaluation of his magnetron-sputtered catalysts under industrially relevant conditions.

During the visit, Toby investigated the performance of his catalysts in the larger-scale reactor and carried out kinetic studies of the hydrogenation reaction. These experiments provided valuable insight into catalyst activity and reaction behaviour, generating key data to support the completion of the project and the preparation of a journal publication.

In addition to the experimental work, Toby presented his research to members of the CP2M laboratory, sharing the progress of his PhD and discussing opportunities for future collaboration. The visit also provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with researchers specialising in reaction kinetics, heterogeneous catalysis and continuous flow chemistry.

Outside the laboratory, there was time to experience Lyon itself. The city provided a fantastic backdrop to the placement, with its historic old town, riverside walks and viewpoints from Fourvière offering a welcome contrast to a busy week of experiments.