Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI

Ella Podmore MBE MIMMM

Materials Engineering Manager, McLaren Automotive

Ella discovered materials engineering at the age of tender age of 16 and was blown away by the subject; adamant it will change the world. She went on to study a masters of materials engineering at Manchester university and fell in love with optical microscopic & SEM fracture analysis work. Driven by her passion for the subject, the time for an industrial placement year arose and she wrote to her most inspirational company McLaren Automotive - the luxury supercar manufacturer. Ella had a poster of her favourite supercar, the McLaren P1, on her bedroom wall and wrote a letter to the company inquiring about industrial experience. Filling her letter with admiration of McLaren’s work for composite chassis structures and lightweighting alloys, McLaren wrote back informing her that they did not actually have a materials department but wanted to invite her for interview for a general engineering placement. Ella was successful and became the engineering intern of McLaren for 2016-2017. Throughout those 12 months Ella gained an appreciation for materials in industry and – upon solving crank bolt hydrogen embrittlement case - she raised the profile of materials engineering at the brand. So much so the company created a Materials Engineering department. After the completion of her master’s thesis, McLaren invited Ella back as their first official materials engineer.

Seeing the opportunities the subject had to offer her, Ella made it her priority to showcase to young STEM students (especially young girls) the incredible world of materials engineering, detailing how ‘everything is made from something’ which led her to believe that material science is ‘the most versatile subject within STEM’. Within her first year at the company Ella led all material science technical courses to educate mechanical engineers and automotive engineers on the basics of ‘corrosion science’ and ‘material finishing’ techniques. As a verified STEM ambassador, in her spare time she visits colleges and universities about what opportunities material science in industry has to offer, providing a useful insight into what thesis topics are relevant to enter the automotive industry currently (i.e. lightweighting technology for electrification of the automotive sector).

She currently leads the STEM ambassador team within McLaren Automotive who have had an outreach of 10,000 students over the last year alone and mentors prospective material science students to get into their chosen universities. Her outreach work over the last few years has not gone unnoticed, she gained Young Woman Engineer of the Year in 2020 for her efforts to increase diversity in STEM; awarded Surrey Top 40 Under 40 for her STEM outreach to the local Surrey area and awarded an MBE for contributions to engineering, innovation & diversity in the 2022 Birthday Honours.

Ella continues to showcase materials engineering in the UK as a materials champion for the University of Manchester and currently sits on the Engineering board of Leeds University. Ella is a beacon of light for material science in some of the world’s largest engineering forums and thoroughly deserves recognition of this from her subject's Institute.

Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI

In recognition of significant contribution to and/or promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion in IOM3, and the wider materials, minerals and mining communities.

Sir Andrew Bryan Medal

Dr John Wilcox CEng MIMMM

Retired

John Wilcox's journey with SAM began in 1983 when he was first appointed Honorary Secretary. His dedication has been unwavering ever since. In 1998, he briefly stepped away from his Secretary role to serve as the Regional Representative of the Institute of Materials for Scotland and Ireland. However, his commitment to SAM brought him back as President in 2003, and he resumed his role as Secretary in 2005, a position he still holds today. 

Beyond his invaluable contributions to SAM, John was a member of the Council of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining from 2009 to 2019 and served on the Institute’s Accreditation Committee. He also represented SAM at the Federation of Engineering Societies in Glasgow (now Engineering Scotland) and acted as its Secretary from 2000 to 2012. 

John has been the heart and soul of the association for many years. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led SAM into the digital age, maintaining regular lectures and expanding the audience and speakers to a global scale, significantly enhancing the association's appeal beyond Scotland.

John's leadership is evident in every aspect of the association, from organizing events and supporting office bearers to updating and maintaining the membership and constitution. He ensures that all operations run smoothly and efficiently.

He is also actively involved in various association activities, such as site visits and engaging with student societies. John tirelessly works to expand the network of Scotland's metals, materials, and manufacturing industry, connecting students with industry professionals. His innovative ideas continually bring like-minded individuals together, fostering a vibrant Scottish materials and manufacturing network.

John is truly the pillar of the association and a remarkable ambassador for SAM. His dedication to promoting the advancement of the science and technology of metals, alloys, and allied materials within Scotland is unparalleled.

Sir Andrew Bryan Medal

Contribution to the Institute & Affiliated Local Societies

Personal Achievement Awards

T B Marsden Professional Medal (Joint)

Dr Alicia Chrysostomou MIMMM

Freelance Consultant, Alicia Chrysostomou Consultant Polymers

Alicia has been closely involved with the IOM3 for many years and participated on a large number of diverse committees. She joined the Plastics & Rubber Institute (pre-merger) while a student in the mid 1980’s and has been a member since. In 1992 she joined the South Eastern Plastics & Rubber Group then still at the PRI. She remained well over 10 years serving also as Chairman. Actively involved Alicia organised a great many technical evenings, outreach programmes and study days. For several years she was heavily involved in organising the Polymer Circus at the University of North London which saw prominent speakers present to children from across London. She was instrumental in bringing it to Congress 2002 and also presented at the event.

Simultaneously Alicia sat on the CPD Committee, Members’ Benevolent Trust (assisting in the merger with the equivalent body of the Mining Institute), the Plastics & Rubber Division Board then the Polymer Society, and the Younger Members' Committee. She sat on the two latter for many years and heavily involved in both particularly the YMC (now Student & Early Career Group) where she was Vice-Chair for a number of years.

While with the YMC Alicia was involved in a particularly active period seeing the inauguration of the Young Persons' Lecture Competition and World Competition. She has sat a judge for the former on several occasions. During this period she was invited to sit on a panel looking at developing the Institute’s nascent webpages.

For many years Alicia sat on the Education Committee offering support during the instigation of the Schools Affiliate Scheme. Very active on this committee, in addition to supporting ongoing initiatives Alicia assisted and spoke, among other locations, at Tower of London, the Royal Society and the British Library supporting Dr Diane Aston and outreach programmes of the Institute.

Alicia was a founding member (the last remaining) of the Women in Materials, Minerals & Mining (WIM3) and has been actively involved in the committee since its inception in 2012 including acting as Vice-Chair. She has spoken at several venues on behalf of the committee, is involved in organising events including INWED, and brought WIM3 to ‘We the Curious’, Bristol organising a two part event with a 'Women’s Trail' highlighting exhibits that were strongly influenced by female engineers and a ‘Live Lab’ workshop acting as guest curator speaking to members of the public.

She has also sat more briefly on the Plastics Historical Society. A number of years ago Alicia was asked by the Institute to sit on the Design in Plastics Committee as their representative. While no longer required to fulfil that role she remains a very active member of this committee.

Alicia advised on a proposed materials ‘A’ Level initiated by the Institute and on two modules within a proposed GCSE materials based module. Alicia has for several years been invited to be part of the judging for the AT Green Award and the RH Craven Award. She has been asked to be a judge for the 2025 IOM3 STEM grants and on the 2025 IOM3 Awards & Prizes for Outreach.

T B Marsden Professional Medal

Contribution to the Institute & Affiliated Local Societies

Personal Achievement Awards

T B Marsden Professional Medal (Joint)

Dr Fional Robinson FIMMM

Faculty Support Manager, University of South Wales

Dr Fiona Robinson has made substantial contributions to the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) in the UK through her leadership, expertise, and commitment to professional development. With extensive knowledge in metallurgy and materials science—particularly in electrical steels and soft magnetic materials—she has played a key role in fostering technical excellence, industry collaboration, and engagement within the IOM3 community.

As an active member of the Newport & Cardiff Materials Society (NCMS) for many years, Fiona has supported numerous lectures and provided guidance to Young Persons’ Lecture Competition (YPLC) entrants. Since joining the NCMS committee in 2019, she has become its first female president and currently serves as lecture secretary and YPLC organiser. In addition, she represents NCMS at the Local Society Forum, working to enhance participation and engagement in materials science activities.

Fiona has also been a dedicated member of the Energy Materials Group (EMG) Steering Committee for over five years, where she has applied her expertise in electrical steels for the electrification of transport. Her knowledge has been invaluable to EMG’s activities. She played a pivotal role in organising and delivering the EMG Annual Conference in 2023 and is actively involved in the WISPER conference committee, preparing for the upcoming event in 2025. For the past 18 months, she has served as EMG Secretary, supporting the Chair and coordinating the group’s meetings and activities.

Beyond her work in NCMS and EMG, Fiona has been an integral part of Women in Materials, Minerals & Mining (WIM3) since its inception. She presented at its first event in 2013 and joined the WIM3 Committee in 2017. Currently serving as Vice-Chair, she represents the Chair at IOM3 meetings and events, ensuring strong advocacy for gender diversity within the field. Fiona has organised, chaired, and presented at multiple IOM3 events and has made a lasting impact through her Inspiring Women in Materials, Minerals & Mining podcast series, which she has produced since 2020, releasing three episodes per year. She has also contributed to Women into Fellowship workshops, providing coaching and support to female members applying for professional recognition.

Dr Robinson’s contributions to IOM3 go beyond her formal roles. She has been instrumental in promoting diversity, professional development, and technical innovation within the Institute. Through her support and leadership, she has inspired future generations of materials scientists and engineers, strengthened collaborations between industry and academia, and significantly advanced the understanding and application of energy materials and electrification technologies.

T B Marsden Professional Medal

Contribution to the Institute & Affiliated Local Societies

Personal Achievement Awards

Local Society of the Year Award

NEIMME

North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME)

Members (294) Discussions (0)

NEIMME is an affiliated IOM3 Affiliated Local Society in the North East

Membership numbers are constantly increasing, and the Institute’s events programme has continued to be strong and to include topical regional concerns.

NEIMME has continued to make progress in improving its internal governance structures and administration and continues to overhaul its financial activities and internal financial processes with professional accounting oversight and advice which returned NEIMME to a surplus in the year. NEIMME continues to expand its income streams to allow further development of our activities and has been successful in making a surplus on various conferences and events that has been reinvested into the Institute.

Membership numbers have continued to increase at a steady rate with many strong applications for MNEIMME and FNEIMME being received particularly from those of working age and in their mid-career stages. Applications have arisen from a mixture of our events and the activities of our members, as well as old members rejoining. In 2025, NEIMME held a series of 10 events which included a chartership information evening with the Geological Society and the IET, as well as our flagship conference on Supporting the Future of Northern Semiconductor Industries. Several events were held jointly with major UK learned and professional organisations. In particular: the Institute of Fire Engineers, the Institute of Corrosion; and the North East Coast Joint Branch of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

The Institute has continued its support of Les Turnbull’s Early Railway book series along with the printing of Les Turnbull’s book ‘The Willington Railway’. The NEIMME Early Career/Younger Members Group arranged a lecture on working as a hydrogeologist and an event on the importance of Chartership. We are delighted that the Institute’s entrant into the 2024 IOM3 Young Persons' Lecture Competition – Emilia Russell a PhD student at Durham University – won the UK final of the competition. Proposed events for 2024-25 include a variety of fieldtrips to local industrial sites and talk with local engineering apprentices.

Local Society of the Year Award

Contribution to the Institute & Affiliated Local Societies

Personal Achievement Awards

Gold Medal

Dr Radhakanta Rana FIMMM

Principal Engineer, Tata Steel

Dr Radhakanta Rana is a distinguished mid-career metallurgist whose groundbreaking contributions to advanced steel technologies and sustainable metallurgy have significantly impacted both academia and industry. His work exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and leadership, making him an ideal candidate for the IOM3 Gold Medal.

Dr Rana’s research focuses on designing, processing and characterising advanced steels, including interstitial-free steels, medium-manganese steels, carbide-free bainitic steels and low-density & high-modulus iron alloys. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 2 edited books and numerous invited papers, his work has advanced fundamental knowledge in microstructure-property relationships and alloy design. Notably, his early studies on copper precipitation hardening in interstitial-free steels laid the foundation for high-strength versions of these materials. Similarly, his pioneering research on medium-manganese steels clarified their deformation behaviour and implementation barriers, while his investigations into carbide-free bainitic steels identified critical parameters for optimal performance. In addition, his pioneering work on low-density and high-modulus steels has opened new avenues for lightweight design, addressing future material needs in transportation and sustainability. Five of his papers have received special recognition from editors or conference organisers, underscoring their significance.

Beyond academia, Dr Rana has driven industrial innovations as Principal Researcher at Tata Steel Netherlands. He has led the development of novel steel technologies resulting in 48 granted patents worldwide, contributing to advancements in automotive and heavy industries. His innovations include advanced and ultrahigh-strength steels for crash structures, chassis components, impact beams, frame rails and electric motors, as well as a 'universal alloy' for multiple wear-resistant grades and construction-grade steels, reducing costs and resource consumption. These achievements earned him four TATA Group 'InnoVista Awards', recognising his exceptional industrial impact.

Dr Rana bridges the gap between research and application, leading interdisciplinary project teams managing multi-million-euro R&D initiatives. He excels in fostering collaborations, forming high-value consortia funded by the European Union and involving leading institutions and companies. As Guest Academic at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), he delivers lectures in the MSc program in Materials Engineering and mentors students, nurturing the next generation of metallurgists. Furthermore, his editorial roles—including as Editor of Materials Science and Technology —demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge dissemination and thought leadership in Materials Science.

Sustainability lies at the heart of Dr Rana’s work. At Tata Steel Netherlands R&D, he leads product plant trials for transitioning to "green steel" production using hydrogen-reduced iron and recycled steel scraps, promoting decarbonisation and circular economy goals. His developments of low-temperature hot-press forming technologies and ultra-thin TWIP steels reduce energy consumption and conserve critical resources like chromium and nickel. These innovations align with global efforts to lower carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices in the steel industry.

In summary, Dr Radhakanta Rana’s innovative research, industrial breakthroughs, and commitment to sustainability make him a standout leader in Materials Science. His ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions has transformed the field, benefiting both academia and industry. 

Gold Medal

Contribution to Knowledge

Personal Achievement Awards

Medal for Excellence

Discover Materials led by Dr Chris Hamlett

Discover Materials (DM) is a UK-wide working group that promotes Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). At the Heads of Materials Science Departments meeting in 2017, a group of early-career academics and outreach officers from nine universities were tasked with increasing application numbers to courses at UK universities. They formed the DM group in 2018 and, supported by the Henry Royce Institute, set up the National Outreach Officer post (2019) and University of Leeds joined (2020).

In collaboration with the Henry Royce Institute, they commissioned OnePoll to carry out a survey of 2,000 16-18 year olds (to assess their attitudes towards MSE and investigate what influences their career choices), a professionally-produced video promoting MSE to secondary school-aged pupils and a website to host information about upcoming events, news and profiles of MSE researchers.

To deliver sustained and UK-wide public engagement and outreach, they established the Discover Materials Ambassador (DMA) network. Presently, they have 102 DMAs drawn from students and researchers at DM Partner Universities (plus some form outside the DM partner universities) that we provide core training and support. In turn, they volunteer at outreach events, deliver school visits and help out on Discover Materials working groups (e.g. Comms Team).

DM published three significant articles in Materials World which provide analysis of the status-quo, including surveys of prospective students (OnePoll), current students, UCAS pathways, and the extensive expertise of the team which has driven a narrative and national strategy for University-led MSE recruitment, outreach and public engagement across the UK. Major outcomes of this work, beyond the DMA network, has been to produce and curate significant parent, teacher and school student facing content to augment curriculum and raise the profile of our discipline at much earlier age.

Systems-based reform has been core to DM’s strategy, and they worked closely with UCAS in 2022 to set up the first dedicated MSE page, resulting in ~35,000 hits in its first year. This has been instrumental in increasing application numbers to MSE courses by 35%, from 2700 in 2019/20 to 3660 in 2024/25. Critical to DM’s strategic success is sustained engagement via individual high schools running lessons and science clubs at primary and secondary schools, working with home education groups, and by returning annually to both national (e.g. Big Bang, and Cheltenham Science Festival) and local (e.g. Swansea Science Festival and Malvern Festival of Innovation) science fairs attracting diverse audiences.

Further funding has been secured to extend this work, from UK Space Agency (‘Let’s Move to the Moon’ project) and the Royal Society of Chemistry (to develop a series of science kits for children to carry out self-directed learning).

DM also seeks out and works with other partners (4wardFutures and The Salter’s Company) and runs teacher-focussed CPD sessions. Sustainable governance has been important to DM, and in 2021 set up an Advisory board made up of members from academia, school education, community groups, the Ogden trust and IOM3.

Medal for Excellence

For outstanding achievement by a group in materials, minerals or mining.

Contribution to Knowledge

Personal Achievement Awards

Website:

www.discovermaterials.co.uk

Platinum Medal

Prof Norman Fleck FRS FREng CEng FIMMM

Professor of Mechanics Materials, Cambrisge University

Norman Fleck is an engineer who is regarded as the most outstanding scientist in the general field of solids, structures, and engineering materials. He has made highly original and influential contributions on a wide range of topics within the overall field of Micromechanics that include:

• Compressive failure of fibre-reinforced composite materials is the Achilles heel of these materials in applications involving compression. In the 1990s Fleck wrote key papers work that led to a sound understanding of the effects of fibre misalignment and matrix properties on fibre micro- buckling. Fleck’s theoretical and experimental works today form key reading material for courses in composite materials.
• Professor Fleck has contributed to many aspects of metal plasticity and especially the understanding of the strong size dependence observed when metals are deformed in the micron scale range. Fleck carried out a beautiful set of experiments on the plastic torsion of wires with diameters in the micron range showing. It is fair to say that this set of experiments launched the field of micron scale plasticity by highlighting the importance of strain gradients. Important applications including in MEMS, metal matrix composites, and the micro-mechanics of fracture have followed.
• Professor Fleck’s work on metal foams and micro-architected materials was carried out in the setting of a collaborative research effort with participants from Cambridge and from several institutions and industrial groups in the US. The Deshpande-Fleck model is now the plasticity model of choice for metal foams, and it has been incorporated in the main commercial codes used by engineers.

The underlying theme behind all his research endeavours is to strike an appropriate balance of experiment and theory of sufficient complexity, to solve the problem at hand. In addition to the topics mentioned above, Fleck has made significant contributions in numerous other topics in mechanics of materials including fatigue of metals, metal rolling, interfacial fracture mechanics and powder compaction. He is a scientific consultant to major international engineering companies including Siemens and Rolls Royce and has served on several advisory boards including the Chair of the Materials, Manufacturing and Structures advisory board of Rolls-Royce for more than a decade, the scientific advisory board of the Netherlands Institute of Metals Research (M2i), the UK Ministry of Defence and Protection Expert Advisory Group and most recently provided a report to the department of Transport on the condition of London's Hammersmith Bridge.

He is a major force on the world stage of mechanics. He has mentored many eminent mechanics researchers. He has been recognised internationally for his many contributions (for example, FRS, FREng, International Member US National Academy of Engineering) along with premier mechanics prizes (Prager medal, EUROMECH solid mechanics prize). He remains very active and is a selfless member of the community and has just ended his 4-year term as the President of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.

Platinum Medal

Contribution to Knowledge

Personal Achievement Awards

Silver Medal

Dr Yi Liu MIMMM

Senior Lecturer in Polymers & Composites, Loughborough University

Dr Yi Liu is a Senior Lecturer in Polymers and Composites at Loughborough University and an accomplished early-career researcher in polymer processing and multifunctional polymer composites. Yi is a MIMMM, committee member of EMMS (East Midlands Materials Society), winning Local Society of the Year Award, and a recipient of the 2024 IOM3 Composite Award.

Currently she leads sustainable polymer group at Loughborough University. She demonstrates research excellence through her innovative work in polymer sustainability, particularly developing functional polymer composites with enhanced recyclability and biodegradability. Her work on improving stability has significant implications for packaging, biomedical applications, and construction materials. She has also led pioneering research in mechanical recycling of polyesters and on using chain extenders to improve the recyclability of poly(lactic acid). Her expertise in polymer processing has led to collaborations with industry partners such as Virdis Chemicals Ltd, Innovate Recycle ltd, facilitating technology transfer and industrial applications of her work. She has led several projects from Innovate UK, including Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT), focusing on the exploration of reclaimed polypropylene and calcium carbonate from carpets.

Since her PhD in 2019, she has authored over 30 research papers in leading journals and conferences, such as Advanced Functional Materials (IF=19), Material Horizons (IF=13.3). Her research has received widespread recognition, with around 1000 citations and an h-index of 15 (Google Scholar). Additionally, her innovative approach to material sciences has led to the filing of patents and led to commercialisation of new products in collaboration with UK companies. More recently, she collaborates with world leading institutions (including MIT, Purdue and Imperial), to solve global challenges in plastic reuse and recycling.

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. As the mentor of several female PhDs, she has helped them develop their technical skills and professional careers. One of her mentees has been recognised at the Women of the Future Awards. 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. Yi has also encouraged and supported her PhD students in outreach activities, with one of them winning the Discover Materials Inspiration and Dedication Award.

Yi is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. As a finalist for the Top 50 Women in Engineering, 2024: Enhanced by Engineering, and the recipient of the Inspirational Women Award at Loughborough University, she has demonstrated leadership in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has co-organised the Rising Stars event, a platform designed to celebrate and support under-represented groups in materials science research and innovation.

In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Yi has successfully balanced her career and family life as a new mother, serving as an inspiring role model for early-career researchers.

Silver Medal

Contribution to Knowledge

Student & Early Career

Personal Achievement Awards