DCDYNAMIC research recognised at IEEE International Conference on Dielectrics 2026

Researchers from the DCDYNAMIC project showcased their latest research at the IEEE International Conference on Dielectrics (ICD 2026), held from 21–25 June 2026 in Southampton, United Kingdom. The conference brought together leading experts from academia and industry to discuss the latest advances in dielectric materials, insulation systems and high-voltage technologies.

The conference provided a great opportunity for DCDYNAMIC’s early career researchers to present their work, exchange knowledge with the international research community and discuss scientific challenges related to the development of reliable high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable systems for future floating offshore wind applications.

The DCDYNAMIC team contributed both oral and poster presentations covering several key research topics that are central to the project’s objectives of enhancing understanding of HVDC cable insulation under combined electro-mechanical and thermal stresses.

The presented research included:

• Pit Bechtold (ETH Zürich, High Voltage Laboratory) – Effects of thermal ageing on the electrical properties of XLPE HVDC cable insulation (Poster)
• James Oxford (The University of Manchester) – Embedded Soft Electrodes for Electrical Treeing Experiments with In Situ Applied Mechanical Strains (Oral presentation)
• Fabian Bill (ETH Zürich, High Voltage Laboratory) – Impact of Static Mechanical Strain on Breakdown Strength of High Purity XLPE for HVDC Cables in Floating Offshore Applications (Poster)

A particular highlight of the conference was the recognition of James Oxford (The University of Manchester), who received the Best Paper Award.

The award, which also included a £500 prize, recognises the scientific quality and significance of the research presented. This achievement highlights the strength of the research being carried out within DCDYNAMIC and the valuable contribution of its early career researchers to advancing dielectric science and HVDC insulation technologies.

Participation in international scientific conferences such as ICD2026 plays an important role in DCDYNAMIC’s dissemination activities by enabling researchers to share project results, exchange ideas with the wider scientific community and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders.