The main goal of the GW4SHM is to train the next generation of researchers to cope with the existing and upcoming challenges in the field of Structural Health Monitoring by Guided waves-based approaches. Besides the 14 PhD students working at different universities and companies, we have had 5 training events over the past 3 years. Unfortunately, the first 2 training events were online due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID pandemic. However, for the last 3 training events, travel restrictions were eased, that gave us the opportunity to meet in person in London, Paris, and Tallinn.

Although the structure of each training event consisted of a series of state-of-the-art seminars, workshops, and on-site visits to research facilities, each training event was unique, and we took out the most of each location. For example, London was the core of knowledge of guided waves where we met well-known authors in the field. On the other hand, Paris was the hands on of guided waves, we visited the high-tech labs in CEA and SAFRAN facilities, and Tallinn was a mind changer that helped us to see our research as a potential product which can be commercialized in the near future.

London – Third Training Event

We were all so excited to finally see each other face-to-face after a year of virtual meetings that we almost forgot how to communicate in person. It was surreal, but nice. Most of us still remember the spirited atmosphere of sharing our research, experiences, and ideas, even in a crowded pub.

The event was a combination of academic talks delivered by leading researchers in the field, an industry tour at GUL (Guided Ultrasonics Limited), and presentations delivered by all ESRs. We were thrilled by the enriching five-day training and the opportunity to meet the biggest names in this field, including Prof. Peter Cawley and Prof. Mike Lowe. Prof. Cawley's talk was particularly informative, as he shared his experience in transforming lab-based research into real-world applications. His insights into the challenges of industrializing and commercializing guided wave testing/monitoring technology were valuable, and they prompted us to think about ways to our research more applicable to the industry.

The event also provided a unique opportunity to see guided wave testing technology in action. GUL is a world-leading company in the development and manufacturing of guided wave inspection and monitoring equipment. The tour gave us valuable insight into the practical applications of guided wave testing technology and inspired us to brainstorm new approaches to solving industry problems.

The event culminated with a tour of the Tower of London, one of London's most iconic landmarks. The historic surroundings provided an excellent backdrop for the event, where we had the opportunity to catch up with colleagues, make new connections, and enjoy each other's company in a unique and historic setting.

Paris – Fourth Training Event

The training event in Paris was hosted by the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), one of the majors' agents in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The best part about this training event is that we got to collaborate with another Innovative Training Network (ITN) group called ENHAnCE (European training Network in intelligent prognostics and Health mAnagement in Composite structurEs, Grant agreement ID: 859957) who share similar research topics related to SHM. Each day we had presentations by experienced researchers in NDT/SHM. The seminars were focused on guided waves modelling, fiber optics, additive manufacturing, innovative numerical methods, and artificial intelligence applied to NDT.

Besides the seminars, we visited some of the laboratories at CEA. They carry out outstanding research in NDT/SHM, since they hold leading edge technology such as automated 3D scanners and a vast variety of electronic transducers and specimens. In addition, we visited the wide aircraft workshop of SAFRAN, where they specialized in repair and maintenance of aircraft engines. The visit to SAFRAN was characterized by showing the application of most of the available NDT/SHM techniques where we are working on. Although some of us carry out deep numerical work oriented to guided waves, it was a motivating experience to feel the importance of our research in the leading-edge industry.

Moreover, during the week we had the chance to meet with researchers from a wide variety of scientific expertise, backgrounds, and nationalities. From such interesting discussions it is clear for us that diversity brings innovation and widens the perspective we can take when facing a scientific issue.

Not to mention that we had the chance to walk in the streets of Paris during “Fête de la Musique.”

Tallinn – Fifth Training Event

The fifth training event was hosted by Tallinn University of Technology, at this time the GW4SHM consortium had a deep insight into the theory and applications of SHM techniques based on guided waves, but …. What is science & research without investment and funding? That is something we found out during our time in Tallinn!

Once again, we meet with our research peers, and we follow a diverse set of seminars dedicated to NDT/SHM. One of the unique seminars was given by Andi Hektor, founder of G-Scan technologies. G-Scan is a growing startup based in Estonia, and they are pioneers in Atmospheric Ray Tomography that is the new frontier of particle physics applications, with tremendous practical potential for customs, public safety, industrial, medical, and space-based applications.

In addition, Estonia is well known for being one of the countries with more start-up per capita, and it is something we took away from this training event. In our previous events we had soft-skills workshops such as writing for publication, training in guided-waves programming (CIVA software), etc. However, in Tallinn we had a very dynamic and energetic workshops in How to create a Startup and Pitching. Most of the time, researchers are focused on science and carry out research and nothing else (which was the case for most of us), however these workshops were a mind opener! It helped us to see our research as a potential business idea. At the end of the week, we had a pitching competition where each of the ESR pitched our research topics as we were asking for funding or investment! At first, we were nervous and reluctant about it, but at the end, we all enjoyed the pitching competition and feedback. We look forward to pitching our research in the future.

Presenting our work to our peers was a highlight of the training events and is an important part of our development as researchers. Although all ESRs were working on guided wave-related projects, our research topics varied from guided wave imaging to machine learning applications. The short but informative presentation of our work sparked fantastic ideas and collaborations. It was also a valuable opportunity for us to build confidence, hone presentation skills, and receive valuable feedback from peers and experts.

Undoubtedly, the training events were memorable experiences for each of us and a remarkable milestone in our PhD career. It was an intersection where we reflected on our research, received feedback from peers, and planned for future research that can have a greater impact and contribute to solving real-world problems. Personally, at GW4SHM we believe that every discussion, inspiration, and collaboration that comes out of these training events is bringing us closer to a safer world.