Welcome & Opening remarks
Welcome & Opening remarks
General
Conference chairs
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Positive Planet
Michael studied for a PhD in Advanced Metallic Systems at the University of Manchester, investigating the evolution of dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si based automotive alloys with varying impurity levels; a project sponsored by Novelis. He now works for Positive Planet as a Principal Sustainability Consultant specialising in Life Cycle Assessments. Positive Planet believe businesses can be a catalyst for environmental and social change that lasts. With professional services including measurement, compliance, training, engagement and more across the sustainability spectrum, Positive Planet help businesses take real action to reduce their environmental footprint. Combining a career in both quantitative sustainability assessment, and materials science and research, Michael is supporting many businesses understand and reduce their environmental footprint.
Michael previously worked for Innoval Technology as Group lead for Sustainability & Knowledge transfer, a consultancy to the global aluminium industry, and has worked across many different material industries delivering LCAs for complex systems. He has worked across the automotive, aerospace and packaging sectors extensively among others. Working alongside universities and commercial partners, Michael finds collaborative projects particularly rewarding. Michael has been involved with many multi-year large scale publicly projects with the objective of improving the sustainability of materials.
Outside of work, you’ll find Michael with a camera in his hand, focusing on landscape, animal and astrophotography. Michael has been a keen Table Tennis player for many years, playing across the country.
Vice-Chair, SEC Group
Hannah Hilton-Tapp
Vice-Chair, SEC Group
Hannah Hilton-Tapp
Hannah Hilton-Tapp is a Process Chemist at Rolls-Royce, and is also in the process of submitting her PhD thesis to University of Leicester. Her PhD research topic was the electrodeposition of novel nanocomposite and alloy coatings for use as diffusion barrier layers in thermoelectric devices, in which she worked closely with the university's Space Nuclear Power team to further the development of thermoelectric and radioisotope power conversion technologies. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with Forensic Science and a Master’s degree in Chemistry, both also obtained from University of Leicester.
Alongside the IOM3 Student & Early Career Committee, Hannah is also a member of the IOM3 International Affairs Committee and a committee member for the East Midlands Materials Society. In 2024, she placed 3rd in the National Final for IOM3 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition, and was awarded the Peter Farr Memorial Award by the Institute of Materials Finishing for a paper published in their journal.
Designing Sustainable Multifunctional Polymer Composites for a Smart and Resilient Future | Dr Yi Liu MIMMM
Designing Sustainable Multifunctional Polymer Composites for a Smart and Resilient Future | Dr Yi Liu MIMMM
Keynote
In this talk, Dr Yi Liu will reflect on her academic career journey to introduce research advances in sustainable and multifunctional polymer composites. She will highlight key milestones in developing materials that balance performance, recyclability, and broader sustainability goals. Alongside the technical narrative, she will share experiences, lessons learned, and practical advice for early career researchers, offering perspectives on building a resilient and impactful research career in materials science.
2025 Silver Medal winner
Dr Yi Liu MIMMM
IOM3 Policy: How can I influence change? | Rachel Stonehouse MIMMM
IOM3 Policy: How can I influence change? | Rachel Stonehouse MIMMM
Keynote
IOM3 helps shape government policy by drawing on the collective knowledge and experience of its members to drive positive change. This session will explore how IOM3 engages in policy conversations, why this matters and showcase recent examples. It will also break down how you can get involved, why your perspective matters and how contributing can support your professional development.
IOM3 Head of Policy
Rachel Stonehouse MIMMM
The Plastic Process | Daniel Warren CEng MIMMM
The Plastic Process | Daniel Warren CEng MIMMM
Keynote
Dan’s journey with polymers may have started back at university with an academic bias, but in recent years through his work at Farrat and Styrene, as with many others he has noticed the volume of conversations around sustainability, plastic pollution and environmental harm grow.
The ‘process’ of polymers and plastics does not simply end after their creation, and a big-picture thinking mentality is needed to consider how these materials are treated at end-of-life as well as throughout their serviced application. This mentality applies as much to the humans handling and using them, as it does to the design of the materials and the systems surrounding them.
This talk will dive into the human relationship with polymers, why they consistently make the headlines, and if the negative press attached to ‘plastics’ is truly deserved.
Chair
Daniel Warren CEng MIMMM
Discover Materials | Dr Chris Hamlett
Discover Materials | Dr Chris Hamlett
Keynote
This presentation will give an overview of the Discover Materials group (a working group set up in 2018 to promote Materials Science and Engineering) and how the work of this group has engaged both school children and their parents and teachers and our progress to date. Some examples of the groups’ activity will be introduced and also ways in which people can get involved via the Discover Materials Ambassador scheme.
2025 Medal for Excellence winner (Discover Materials)
Dr Chris Hamlett
IOM3 membership | Jamie Graham MIMMM
IOM3 membership | Jamie Graham MIMMM
Professional Development
At whatever stage of your career you may be, we want you to feel part of the wider materials, minerals and mining community. Find out more about the plethora of membership benefits including funding, awards eligibility, professional registration and a lot more.
IOM3 Membership Development Manager
Jamie Graham MIMMM
From Holey Surfaces to Hairy Spheres (with a sprinkling of perspective in between) | Dr Matthew Wadge MIMMM
From Holey Surfaces to Hairy Spheres (with a sprinkling of perspective in between) | Dr Matthew Wadge MIMMM
Keynote
In this talk, Dr Matthew Wadge shares a candid and personal account of his academic journey, weaving together the milestones and experiences that have shaped his career to date. He reflects on successes, challenges, and opportunities that have influenced his path, including an open and honest discussion about navigating academic life while managing mental health struggles. Alongside this personal narrative, Dr. Wadge will present an overview of his research into biomedical titanate surfaces: porous materials designed to enhance bone healing, while simultaneously eliminating bacteria without relying on antibiotics.
2024 Silver Medal winner
Dr Matthew Wadge MIMMM
Motivation, career progression and sector challenges
Motivation, career progression and sector challenges
Session 4
IOM3 members from different disciplines and at different career paths discuss challenges and benefits of planning their career.
2025 Silver Medal winner
Dr Yi Liu MIMMM
2025 Silver Medal winner
Dr Yi Liu MIMMM
Senior Lecturer in Polymers & Composites, Loughborough University
Dr Yi Liu is a Senior Lecturer in Polymers and Composites at Department of Materials, Loughborough University. She is a Member of IOM3 (MIMMM), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), committee member of East Midlands Materials Society (EMMS). Yi is the recipient of the Silver Medal 2025, Composite Award 2024, a finalist for the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2024: Enhanced by Engineering and Inspirational Women Award 2023.
Her research centres on sustainable multifunctional polymer composites, energy-efficient manufacturing, plastic recycling, with emphasis on advanced processing, recyclability, and biodegradability. She has led multiple industry-linked projects funded by Innovate UK and the Henry Royce Institute, enabling knowledge transfer and real-world impact. Her research excellence is recognised internationally through publications in leading journals such as Advanced Functional Materials and Materials Horizons, patents, and collaborations with world leading institutions.
Beyond research, Yi is committed to education, mentorship, and outreach activities. She has designed and delivered undergraduate and postgraduate teaching modules in polymer engineering and sustainability, significantly enhancing student learning. Yi is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. As the mentor of several female PhDs, she has helped them develop their technical skills and professional careers. Moreover, Yi is a core member of the UK inter-university group Discover Materials, actively engaged in outreach activities to promote Materials Science and Engineering to wider society.
Chair
Daniel Warren CEng MIMMM
Chair
Daniel Warren CEng MIMMM
A 2017 graduate of Loughborough University with a masters degree in Materials Engineering, Dan began his career in aerospace manufacturing. He then spent 6.5 years at the specialist engineering firm Farrat, where he progressed to become a Lead Engineer. During his time there, he specialized in using elastomeric isolators to create vibration and noise control systems for the construction industry. Following this, Dan took on the role of Technical Manager at Styrene Packing & Insulation Ltd, where he applies his expertise to expanded polystyrene products for the construction and packaging sectors.
2024 Silver Medal winner
Dr Matthew Wadge MIMMM
2024 Silver Medal winner
Dr Matthew Wadge MIMMM
Dr Matthew Wadge is a Third Century Research Fellow (Proleptic Senior Lecturer) in Surface Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, having joined in November 2024 from the Advanced Materials Research Group at the University of Nottingham (UoN), where he led the Thin Films and Induction Melter Laboratories. He holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Materials Science and a PhD in Materials Engineering and Materials Design (both UoN). He previously held the competitive post of EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow from 2020-21, also at UoN. His research primarily focusses on the production of thin film coatings and modification of surfaces via wet chemical and physical vapour deposition techniques, specifically magnetron sputtering, for a plethora of different applications, including biomaterials, energy storage, and water treatment.
He holds a number of voluntary and honorary positions, including being a STEM Outreach Ambassador, a Discover Materials Ambassador, as well as a National Expert and Committee Member for the British Standards Committee on Implants for Surgery (CH/150). Within IOM3, he is a Student & Early Career Committee (IOM3 SEC Committee) member and has been featured as part of the 'IOM3 Investigates...' podcast series. He holds several professional memberships, including Member of IOM3 (MIMMM), Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (FIBMS), and Alumnus of the Armourers and Brasiers. He is an Early Career Advisory Board Member for the Surface and Coating Technology Journal and a member of the EPSRC Peer Review College. He has supervised over 25 Undergraduate/Masters students, and 5 PhD researchers (2 completions and 3 current). For his research, Matthew has received a number of honours and awards, most notably the 2024 IOM3 Silver Medal, being chosen as one of '15 under 30' by Materials World, National Finalist of the IOM3 Young Persons' Lecture Competition, as well as several conference presentation prizes, including the Best Oral Presentation Prize at the 2019 Future Materials Conference.
2025 Medal for Excellence winner (Discover Materials)
Dr Chris Hamlett
2025 Medal for Excellence winner (Discover Materials)
Dr Chris Hamlett
Chris is the Discover Materials National Outreach Officer and coordinated the activities of the Discover Materials group (a group of ten universities whose aim to raise awareness of Materials Science and Engineering amongst school aged children). Chris studied Chemistry of Materials at Nottingham University (after converting from a Chemistry degree) and then did his Master in Nanoscale Science and Technology at University of Leeds and University of Sheffield before completing his PhD the School of Chemistry at University of Birmingham under the supervision of Professor Jon Preece where he worked on the chemical modification of both silicon and gold for a range of applications.
He then spent the year at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) spending five years as postdoctoral research working on water repellent soils (in collaboration with Swansea University) and on an industrially funded project concerning developing fire fighting foams. He was then a lecturer, teaching on both the Chemistry and Physics course, and carrying out research investigating the effect of the wettability of surfaces on the stability of bubbles and foams (including using the chemistry of a glass to destabilise the foamy head of a pint of Guiness!).
During his time at NTU Chris developed an interest in outreach by getting involved with Natures Raincoats (Nature's Raincoats - Nature's Raincoats ) – an outreach initiative developed by NTU in collaboration with University of Oxford for the Royal Society Summer Exhibition in 2009 to showcase research in superhydrophobic surfaces. He then became a Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) STEMNet Ambassador (and subsequently STEM Ambassador) and gained experience before developing is own outreach activities. With support from BrumSciComm (a science communicator group based in the Midlands) Chris was awarded funding from the RSC in 2017 to introduce science to the annual Cotteridge Community Music Arts and Dance Festival (CoCoMAD) in south Birmingham and the science field has been ever present at the festival ever since.
In 2019 Chris was appointed the Discover Materials National Outreach Officer, a post supported by the Henry Royce Institute, and has set up the Discover Materials Ambassador scheme and worked on numerous exciting projects to help promote Materials Science and Engineering to both school aged children and their parents and teachers.
Session co-ordinator
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Positive Planet
Michael studied for a PhD in Advanced Metallic Systems at the University of Manchester, investigating the evolution of dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si based automotive alloys with varying impurity levels; a project sponsored by Novelis. He now works for Positive Planet as a Principal Sustainability Consultant specialising in Life Cycle Assessments. Positive Planet believe businesses can be a catalyst for environmental and social change that lasts. With professional services including measurement, compliance, training, engagement and more across the sustainability spectrum, Positive Planet help businesses take real action to reduce their environmental footprint. Combining a career in both quantitative sustainability assessment, and materials science and research, Michael is supporting many businesses understand and reduce their environmental footprint.
Michael previously worked for Innoval Technology as Group lead for Sustainability & Knowledge transfer, a consultancy to the global aluminium industry, and has worked across many different material industries delivering LCAs for complex systems. He has worked across the automotive, aerospace and packaging sectors extensively among others. Working alongside universities and commercial partners, Michael finds collaborative projects particularly rewarding. Michael has been involved with many multi-year large scale publicly projects with the objective of improving the sustainability of materials.
Outside of work, you’ll find Michael with a camera in his hand, focusing on landscape, animal and astrophotography. Michael has been a keen Table Tennis player for many years, playing across the country.
Closing remarks
Closing remarks
General
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Chair, Student & Early Career (SEC) Group
Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM
Positive Planet
Michael studied for a PhD in Advanced Metallic Systems at the University of Manchester, investigating the evolution of dispersoids in Al-Mg-Si based automotive alloys with varying impurity levels; a project sponsored by Novelis. He now works for Positive Planet as a Principal Sustainability Consultant specialising in Life Cycle Assessments. Positive Planet believe businesses can be a catalyst for environmental and social change that lasts. With professional services including measurement, compliance, training, engagement and more across the sustainability spectrum, Positive Planet help businesses take real action to reduce their environmental footprint. Combining a career in both quantitative sustainability assessment, and materials science and research, Michael is supporting many businesses understand and reduce their environmental footprint.
Michael previously worked for Innoval Technology as Group lead for Sustainability & Knowledge transfer, a consultancy to the global aluminium industry, and has worked across many different material industries delivering LCAs for complex systems. He has worked across the automotive, aerospace and packaging sectors extensively among others. Working alongside universities and commercial partners, Michael finds collaborative projects particularly rewarding. Michael has been involved with many multi-year large scale publicly projects with the objective of improving the sustainability of materials.
Outside of work, you’ll find Michael with a camera in his hand, focusing on landscape, animal and astrophotography. Michael has been a keen Table Tennis player for many years, playing across the country.
Chair, SECC
Dr Ilija Rasovic MIMMM
Chair, SECC
Dr Ilija Rasovic MIMMM
University of Birmingham
Ilija is Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham. He earned his MEng in Materials Science from Corpus Christi College, Oxford, followed by a DPhil in Materials from St Cross College, Oxford. His primary research interests focus on fullerenes and supramolecular systems with particular application in biomedical contexts.
Ilija is an award-winning science communicator, having won IOM3’s international Literature Review Prize in 2016 and finishing second in the Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition in 2017, amongst receiving other best talk prizes at international conferences and scientific meetings. He is also currently Advanced Materials Engineer at P1 Graphene Solutions, having previously worked on placement at Jaguar Land Rover and as a CNC miller for Lesk Engineers.
Ilija is involved in numerous outreach and engagement activities as a STEM ambassador and is committed to both championing Materials Science as a subject and inspiring students of all backgrounds to pursue further study at university. He is a trustee of the newly formed charity, Break Off Labs, whose aim is to widen participation in STEM research.
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