Polymers that exhibit metallic and semiconductor-like properties are the focus of research at the University of Leicester, UK. The team wants to enhance the fundamental understanding and properties of these materials for potential use in microactuators, bio-electrochemical sensors and batteries for energy storage. One significant finding is that incorporating single-walled carbon nanotubes improves the rheological properties of thin polyaniline films.

The Institute’s Medals and Prizes 2009 are open for nominations. The deadline for all entries is 19 December 2008.

The Institute’s Materials Literature Review Prize is accepting entries for the 2009 competition until 15 October.

Members' reponses to questions posed by the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management are invited.

The Design Innovation in Plastics competition, which this year focuses on sustainability, is open for entries until 17 October. The award is jointly organised by IOM3 and the Worshipful Company of Horners.

Four materials-related prizes, organised by the Federation of European Materials Societies, are open for nominations.

Success for 3 candidates in the 2008 Examination in Mining Law Relating to Health and Safety.

Several Institute Fellows have recently become Fellows of the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering.

Report on the Institute's participation at The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan's Annual Congress