This spring, I had the chance to do a secondment at the University of Leeds together with my colleague Bunmi (DCR5). It was a great experience, both professionally and personally.

One of the highlights of this secondment was working in person with my supervisor Timothy Cockerill and with postdoc Yozhou Tang, with whom I had already been collaborating remotely in the previous months. Their expertise in techno-economic modelling has been especially helpful in guiding the development of my own model, which focuses on CO₂ pipeline transport. During our discussions, we delved into the challenge of evaluating the cost implications of corrosion—an important factor in the economic assessment of CO₂ infrastructure.

I also had the chance to work with another MISSION-CCS doctoral researcher, Sakib (DCR13), who is working on the optimisation of the capture part. This collaboration helped me better understand how our work packages intersect. Moreover, I was able to meet Professor Harvey Thompson, whose expertise could prove particularly valuable for one of the future developments of my model: incorporating a machine learning-based prediction of acid drop-out events.

Besides the technical work, I really enjoyed the University of Leeds campus. I especially loved St George’s Field, a green area right behind the mechanical engineering department, where we often had lunch with other MISSION-CCS PhD students. In spring, the park is full of blooming trees and pink petals falling everywhere — and yes, there are rabbits running around!

Another great lunch spot we discovered was The Refectory, a large dining area offering a wide variety of food options: from Italian and Thai to classic British dishes like fish and chips—definitely something for every taste.

Leeds also surprised me with its libraries. A special mention goes to the Edward Boyle Library, which spans six floors and is open 24/7—a handy tip for any doctoral researcher facing a tight deadline and needing a late-night study spot! If you're passing by, make sure to step inside the Brotherton Library too, even if just for a few minutes—its historic reading room and elegant architecture are worth a visit. This library is part of the university’s original 1936 building and features a beautiful domed ceiling and classical columns, evoking the charm of a traditional academic setting.

For those visiting Leeds only briefly, I’d also recommend checking out a few gems in the city. The Leeds Corn Exchange, an iconic Victorian building in the city centre, is worth a visit for its distinctive circular design and its history as a 19th-century marketplace. Today, it hosts independent shops and cafés while retaining its architectural splendour.Another discovery that thrilled me as a cinema enthusiast was the Hyde Park Picture House, a small independent cinema dating back to 1907. It’s one of the UK’s oldest cinemas still in operation and boasts a beautifully preserved interior, complete with gas lights—perfect for a unique movie night.

As an Italian abroad, I couldn’t help but explore the local Italian food scene. Together with some of the other doctoral researchers, we tried a few places — and I’m happy to say they were just as impressed as I was! For a quick and friendly lunch near campus, I highly recommend Lievitoo, a cosy spot run by a welcoming Calabrian family. For great pizza, Franco Manca never disappoints, and for excellent pasta, La Piola is a fantastic choice — though you’ll need to book ahead, as it’s almost always full!

On weekends, I also took part in the Parkrun at Woodhouse Moor, a lovely 5 km run through one of Leeds’ most beautiful parks. Parkruns take place every Saturday morning across more than 800 parks in the UK, and they’re a great way to explore the local green spaces. I’ve already added Roundhay Park to my list for the next secondment—I’ve heard great things but didn’t manage to visit this time around.