Silvia Ramos studies the correlation between structural and electronic properties of materials using synchrotron x-ray, neutron and muon techniques. In recent years her research has mainly focussed on the application of novel x-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques to the study of metal-insulator transitions and, in parallel with this, to the investigation of new materials for energy applications. Silvia obtained her PhD at the University of Bristol and worked as a PDRA at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility and the University of Birmingham. She then took a position as instrument scientist at Diamond Light Source in 2008. She moved to the University of Kent In 2013, where is is currently a Reader in Materials Physics and Head of School.