Team MAST has been delivering the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) low to medium maturity materials and structures research since November 2007. This article presents case studies from that work - coatings to lower solar heat absorption, self healing of fibre-reinforced polymer composites and integrated damage resistance in composite structures.

Describing improvements to antennas for surveilence through new materials developments.

This article describes advances made in magnetic materials measurement and processes.

Modern uses of piezoelectric materials are presented such as energy generation and medical applications.

Flying in an aeroplane is a noisy experience. Materials have been dveloped to reduce the noise and improve the flying experience.

Dan Hewak, from the Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton, UK, describes the use of chalcogenide glass for new electronic and optoelectronic materials.

Describing developments foe electronic applications. Existing technologies are being applied to thin film photovolteic solar cells for improved products.

Accelerated product development for (opto)electronics may be possible with high throughput methods developed by Ilika Technologies Ltd. Automated technologies can to make ‘libraries’ of hundreds or thousands of systematically varying materials, which can then be screeded for useful properties.

The UK’s new Engineering Diploma for 14-19-year-olds is being taught from this September. Rupal Mehta explores its development, and what it means for education in the country and a sector dominated by an ageing workforce.