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Dr Orla Williams

@drorlawilliams.bsky.social
1K followers 888 following 240 posts

Assistant Professor in the Dept M3 @uniofnottingham.bsky.social: Milling expert researching low carbon fuels, mechanochemistry, critical raw materials and life cycle analysis. Rocket science is simple; it's the engineering that's hard

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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Loving this initiative - can we do the same for reducing energy and carbon? 🤔🧪
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Leo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 04/09/2026
It's rare to see a mainstream news broadcaster explicitly referencing loss-and-damage finance, climate justice and big-emitter responsibility in its reporting. So this moment on the BBC's News at Ten really caught my attention. Report by @azadehmoshiri.bsky.social in Nepal
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Purr Minister is back for 2026! Vote now 🐈‍⬛🗳️👩‍⚖️ www.politicshome.com/members/arti...
politicshome.com
Purr Minister is back – as Battersea puts the emphasis on cat welfare
Voting is now open to find Westminster’s top cat as Battersea brings back their ‘Purr Minister’ competition for 2026
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Maybe something to suggest to my students next year… 🎓🧐 www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | There’s an Ancient Solution to Our Modern Crisis of Attention (Gift Article)
Devote your attention to one idea a day.
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
For anyone near @barbican.bsky.social and wants some plant clippings www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/202... 🌱🧪
barbican.org.uk
Conservatory Plant Adoption | Barbican
Bring home a living piece of the Barbican Conservatory
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Great Friday news: ‘Militant vegans’ off the hook as milk thief revealed 🦊🥛🫆 archive.is/MYdZn
archive.is
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Food for thought about better design by designing for all giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... Explain it to me like I’m 10 🌱🎓
giftarticle.ft.com
Explain it to me like I’m 10
Simplifying how we explain complex concepts can lead to surprising benefits
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Bad doggy 🐶🧸😬 www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna14154...
nbcnews.com
Elvis’ teddy bear leaves building the hard way
A guard dog has torn apart a collection of rare teddy bears, including one once owned by Elvis Presley, during a rampage at a children’s museum.
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Empty lectures stem from students’ fractured relationship with effort via @timeshighered.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/empt...
timeshighereducation.com
Empty lectures stem from students’ fractured relationship with effort
Covid’s cultural effect is difficult to overcome, but we can at least resist the trend of infinite accommodation, say Mario Senovilla and Elena Liquete
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
A heart warming post from the other place. @hedgehogsociety.bsky.social fund raiser tie! Can be ordered at www.ryderamies.co.uk/shop/british... 🦔🐾👔 #hedgehog #ties
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Operating under ambient, solvent-free conditions, mechanochemical approaches offer significant potential to reduce energy demand, minimise secondary pollution, and enable more selective extraction processes.#Mechanochemistry #CriticalRawMaterials #Recycling #SustainableMaterials
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
This talk explores how mechanochemistry is emerging as a powerful alternative for the recovery & recycling of critical raw materials from heterogeneous waste. #CircularEconomy #MaterialsScience #NetZero #UniversityOfNottingham
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Hybrid event! 📍 Research Accelerator Demonstrator, Room C04, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham (and online) 📅 Wednesday 8 July 2026 ⏰ 12:00–13:30 The lecture will be followed by coffee, cake, and networking. @uonresearch.bsky.social @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
🔊Guest lecture alert! Dr Tomislav Stolar from #BAM, Berlin, will be giving a talk (hybrid) to @amrguon.bsky.social on his research in2 mechanochemistry as an emerging route for the recovery & recycling of critical raw materials from complex waste streams 🧪⚒️ events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b8f91b...
events.teams.microsoft.com
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Solar panels reduce thermal stress in dairy barns during critical afternoon hours 🧪💡🔌 www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/06/s...
pv-magazine.com
Solar panels reduce thermal stress in dairy barns during critical afternoon hours
A study from China shows rooftop PV systems on dairy barns can significantly reduce roof heat flux and improve indoor thermal conditions. Field measurements and simulations found up to a 2.3 C reducti...
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Great turn out at the #BatteryRecyclingExpo at #Silverstone race circuit as part of a #BritishCouncil #ISPF project looking at lithium ion battery #endoflife options with #University of Warwick, #Xiamen University Malaysia, #University of Adelaide and @uonresearch.bsky.social
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
The trials that quietly changed our lives @financialtimes.com giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... 🧪
giftarticle.ft.com
The trials that quietly changed our lives
Testing claims matters more than ever in an age of misinformation, overconfident assertions and unsubstantiated opinions
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
First paper of the year is a great international #collaborative #review #paper on Progress in lignocellulosic biomass valorization for biofuels and value-added chemical production in the EU 🧪🌱👩‍🔬 @elsevierconnect.bsky.social @uonresearch.bsky.social doi.org/10.1016/j.bm...
doi.org
Redirecting
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Fascinating link between behavioural economics & innovation @financialtimes.com: an opportunity for energy self sufficiency?"the governmental instinct when voters are leaning on a hot stove is to inject a dose of anaesthetic rather than help them leap to safety" 🧪 giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Lessons from your petrol pump
As consumers, sharp price increases are unwanted. But they send an essential signal
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
I always teach my students that while the #UK no longer uses #coal, it's use is not going down elsewhere in the world... Asia turns to coal as Iran war chokes off gas supplies by @financialtimes.com 🧪🔌⚒️💡⚡ giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Asia turns to coal as Iran war chokes off gas supplies
Countries shrug off environmental concerns to fire up use of polluting fuel as Gulf supplies dwindle
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
We've been told to do this when visiting certain countries as well (UK academics)
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Reposted by Dr Orla Williams
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Nottingham cuts ‘threaten status as research-intensive university’. Move to reduce academics’ protected research time to 25 per cent brings union warning. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-u...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Nottingham cuts ‘threaten status as research-intensive university’ - Research Professional News
Move to reduce academics’ protected research time to 25 per cent brings union warning
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Reposted by Dr Orla Williams
Trees for Life @treesforlife.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
We’re thrilled to share that another #beaver release took place in #GlenAffric National Nature Reserve last week, as a family of four was welcomed to Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin. 🦫
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
One for all the scientists and medics! 🧪🥼
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Here's another one where two guys installed art work on wasteland at Denmark Hill train station in London 🎨piece in the Times by @VictoriaPeckham on the other place www.instagram.com/denmark_hill...
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Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
I’m a sucker for a “we saw a problem, we fixed it” story. Even on a small scale a community taking a stake in the space outside their homes gives me a top up of hope.
bbc.co.uk
Locals transform Bury St Edmunds 'bin alley' into garden
Volunteers say the alleyway has been an eyesore blighted by fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
My chariot awaits 😵‍💫 #minibuswithwings
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Great to see an increase in tradewomen - but how can we get more women into trades and engineering in general ? www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
‘The anxieties just lift’: why domestic abuse refuges are turning to female tradespeople
With construction overwhelmingly male, Refuge says tradeswomen help survivors of abuse feel safer
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Fascinating article by the @financialtimes.com ‘Is university still worth it?’ is the wrong question 🎓 giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
‘Is university still worth it?’ is the wrong question
The graduate earnings premium isn’t really measuring what most people think
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
🧪There's still time to apply for this #PhD in #Mechanochemical #Extraction of High Value Products from #UK #Seaweeds @amrguon.bsky.social @uonresearch.bsky.social ! www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/... 💷Competitive studentship (home fees+UKRI stipend)
nottingham.ac.uk
PhD studentship
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
🧪There's still time to apply for this #PhD on Measuring Add-on costs from Direct #Liquefaction of Archetypal #Biomass with enhanced PhD steipend: www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/... This #studentship is open to #UK/home candidates only.
nottingham.ac.uk
PhD studentship
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
📅 Deadline: 16 March 2026! 🔗 Full details & application here: www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/... Know someone who’d be perfect? Please repost or tag them 👋 #PhD #AcademicJobs #Sustainability #Biomass #EnergyResearch @amrguon.bsky.social @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
jobs.nottingham.ac.uk
Job Vacancy at the University of Nottingham: PhD Studentship: Measuring Add-on-costs from Direct Liquefaction of Archetypal Biomass (MADLAB) with BP
This exciting opportunity is based within the Advanced Materials Research Group at Faculty of Engineering to conduct cutting edge research into upgrading novel biomass feedstocks with industrial collaboration with BP.VisionWe are seeking PhD student...
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
⚗️ Project: Measuring Add-on costs from Direct Liquefaction of Archetypal Biomass 🎯 Focus: developing rapid, reliable analysis tools 4 biomass liquefaction processes used in industry. 🎓 Looking 4 UK candidates with backgrounds in: Chemical / Mechanical / Materials Engineering Chemistry or Physics
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
🚀 Interested in a funded #PhD at the intersection of sustainable energy, biomass, and real-world industry challenges? I am recruiting for a PhD sponsored by #BP @uonresearch.bsky.social 🧪👇https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/engineering/pg-research/phd-projects/direct-liquefaction.aspx Please repost👋
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
We’re looking for candidates with backgrounds in Engineering, Chemistry or Physics - especially those curious about biomass processing and biochemicals.
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
This PhD will enable you to: 🔬 Explore innovative mechanochemical extraction techniques, ⚗️ Recover high‑value compounds for healthcare, biotechnology, and bioenergy, 🌿 Advance the UK bioeconomy by working with native seaweed resources
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
📢 Fully-funded PhD Opportunity 4 Sept/Oct 2026: Mechanochemical Extraction of High Value Products from UK Seaweeds 🌿🧪⚒️ with Dr Orla Williams & Dr Parimala Shivaprasad @uonresearch.bsky.social! 💷Competitive studentship (home fees+UKRI stipend) 📍Full details:https: tinyurl.com/k2pjpdw9 #PhD #job
tinyurl.com
PhD studentship
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Jeremy Wallace @jeremywallace.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
"The price surge means silver now makes up about 26 per cent of the cost of making a solar module, compared with just 3 per cent three years ago, according to Jenny Chase, lead solar analyst at BloombergNEF." @solarchase.bsky.social Just what these players need. giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
giftarticle.ft.com
Silver squeeze leaves solar panel makers feeling the heat
Photovoltaic industry seeks substitutions for metal that has hit record highs
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
#SouthTynesideCouncil’s bin naming competition came up with some amazing bin lorry names
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
Slaughter without pre-stunning causes serious animal suffering, yet it’s often hidden behind vague labels. Call on the UK government to act by signing this petition: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...
petition.parliament.uk
Petition: Require non-stunned and stunned meat to be labelled accordingly
We think it should be required that the labelling of non-stunned and stunned meat be clearly labelled throughout the food chain. This includes shops, supermarkets, suppliers, fast food and restaurants
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Reposted by Dr Orla Williams
Neil Saunders @neilretail.com · 04/12/2024
🇬🇧 RSPCA calls for end to non-stun slaughter as numbers rise buff.ly/3AZ84Ne
buff.ly
RSPCA calls for end to non-stun slaughter as numbers rise
The figures from the FSA showed there had been 30.1 million animals slaughtered without pre-stunning in 2024
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
I am super excited I am about this #catman documentary starting on @channel4tv.bsky.social tonight! 🐈‍⬛ www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
theguardian.com
TV tonight: David Baddiel gives cats the television show they deserve
The comedian goes paddleboarding with Bongo the tabby in a surprisingly moving new series. Plus, an ‘educational’ Taskmaster spin-off. Here’s what to watch this evening
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
🐈🚃 The Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line has an appointed a new station master, a cat Rokutama. Look at his little hat! 🎩 the Other cats received promotions. www.tokyoweekender.com/japan-life/n...
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
@financialtimes.com Year in a word: Rare earths giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... 🧪💡🔌⚒️
giftarticle.ft.com
Year in a word: Rare earths
These metals have become the plaything of the US-China trade war
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
•Predictive models predict size & energy use from parent fuel properties Keywords: #Biomass #coal #milling #partitioning #thermogravimetricanalysis #particlesizedistributions @uniofnottingham.bsky.social
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Highlights: • Co-milling biomass with coal avoids mill choking & shows synergistic effects •Novel thermal analysis reveals biomass-coal partitioning in milled products. •Softer coals need more energy when co-milled with biomass at high ratios
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
📢 My final paper of 2025 and it's a milling paper! This paper is part of a #ACARP funded project with @csiro.bsky.social Dr Joe Perkins & Prof Ed Lester & Dr Fatih Gulec @uonresearch.bsky.social on co-milling biomass and coal Coal Power Dependent Economies. Read now: doi.org/10.1016/j.jo...
doi.org
Redirecting
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Last working day of the year starts with an amazing technicolour #dawn @uniofnottingham.bsky.social - it even made the tower building look nice for once #uon #nottingham #sunrise
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Dr Orla Williams @drorlawilliams.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
#Graduation time again👩🏻‍🎓 #PGCHE from @uonresearch.bsky.social 🎉🥳🍾👏
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