Future Materials, Minerals & Mining Conference
The conference is intended to be a forum for early career materials, minerals and mining scientists and engineers from across the UK to come together and present their research on the materials they are developing and working with, with the hope of improving presentation and poster skills, along with initiating collaboration between research groups, and between industry and academia.
It is also a way of helping researchers and industry workers see how their work fits into the bigger picture of future materials, minerals and mining research and technology across the UK.
Programme
| 9:00 | Registration/Coffee | |
| 9:30 | Welcome Liz Scoffins CEng CEnv MIMMM | Conference Chair |
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| SESSION 1 | Liz Scoffins CEng CEnv MIMMM | ||
| 9:40 | KEYNOTE: The waterless furnace Stefan March | Technical Specialist for Casting & Processing, MTC |
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| 10:00 | KEYNOTE: Innovation through collaboration: Use of advanced diffraction techniques towards understanding engineering alloys Dr Katerina Christofidou MIMMM | Associate Professor, University of Sheffield |
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| 10:20 | Improved understanding of steel coil consistency through data-driven machine learning investigation of run-out table cooling profiles at the hot strip mill, TATA, Port Talbot Robert Gibbs, Cinzia Giannetti, Thomas Baynes & Cameron Pleydell-Pierce |
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| 10:35 | The influence of composition on the cast microstructure for different casting technologies Ajitesh Sharma*, Carl Slater & Claire Davis |
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| 10:50 | FexO containing material dissolution in Hlsarna slag and hot metal Bharath Sampath Kumar*, Zhiming Yan, Koen Meijer, Johannes Hage & Zushu Li |
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| 11:05 | Coffee break & networking | |
| SESSION 2 | Dr Michael Kenyon MIMMM | ||
| 11:30 | Developing a synthesis route for potential p-type transparent conducting material, YScS3 Eleanor Teather* & Polina Komar |
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| 11:45 | Engineering thin film properties by atomic layer deposition Sophie Pain*, Ailish Wratten, Anup Yadav, Nicholas Grant & John Murphy |
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| 12:00 | Rotational Moulding and Post-Consumer Recyclate (PCR): The opportunity and the challenge Jake Kelly-Walley |
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| 12:15 | Comprehensive understanding in micro/nano-structural characterisations in a next generation polycrystalline Ni based superalloy | |
| Hiroto Kitaguchi*, Ian Jones, Yu-Lung Chiu, Mark Hardy & Paul Bowen | ||
| 12:30 | Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) Mrs Sarah Boad CEng FIMMM | Membership Development Manager, IOM3 |
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| 12:45 | LUNCH & NETWORKING | |
| SESSION 3 | Dr Ilija Rasovic MIMMM | ||
| 14:00 | KEYNOTE: The evolution of graphene and other 2D materials: From the lab to the marketplace John Whittaker CEng MIMMM | Engineering Director, Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre |
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| 14:20 | KEYNOTE: Engineering a better future: Weaving EDI into Materials Science Avery Cunningham MIMMM | University of Birmingham |
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| 14:40 | KEYNOTE: The innovation journey and 15% culture: Materials Science applied to life at 3M Dr Antonio Pagliuca | Senior Specialist, 3M Automotive & Aerospace & Materials and Design Exchange (MaDE) |
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| 15:00 | A new trend in materials development: The importance of sustainable progress Maitheya Riva* & Maciek Hulme |
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| 15:15 | Discover materials Chris Hamlett |
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| 15:30 | Coffee break & networking | |
| SESSION 4 | Dr Aimee Goodall CEng CSci MIMMM | ||
| 16:00 | Transition from IN718 to ALSi10Mg for LPBF rocket thrust chamber Oliver Dew, Dominic Callister, Henry Saunders, Denisse Pasco & Alistair John |
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| 16:15 | Individual extraction of rare earth elements (Neodymium and Europium) from coal ash of Punjab, Pakistan using novel Deep Eutectic Solvent Hammas Khalid*, Mihammad Hafas Shafiq, Muhammad Hamza Shafiq, Mihammad Junaid Murtaza & Muhammad Badar Hayat |
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| 16:30 | Quantitative structural health monitor of composite materials Matthew Gee*, Mayorkinos Papaelias, Farzad Hayati, Sanaz Roshanmanesh & Xiaoying Li |
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| 16:45 | Student & Early Career Group Dr Ilija Rasovic MIMMM |
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| 17:00 | Closing remarks Dr Aimee Goodall CEng CSci MIMMM, SECC Chair |
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| 17:15 | End |
Keynote Speakers
Dr Katerina Christofidou MIMMM
Innovation through collaboration: Use of advanced diffraction techniques towards understanding engineering alloys
Innovation is pivotal within the engineering disciplines and successful innovation relies on collaboration through diversity and plurality of ideas and experiences. In this talk we'll interactively explore the role of diverse collaborations in accelerating innovation. Furthermore, I'll discuss my own experiences collaborating in diverse teams through a range of projects from alloys for turbine disc components, to deformation on machined surfaces and the manufacturing of components through laser powder bed fusion, all through the use of advanced diffraction methods.
Advanced diffraction methods offer a powerful tool, comprising unique capabilities, in the study of engineering components that can be applied to destructive and non-destructive evaluations both ex situ and in situ; for example, in understanding the evolution of mechanical performance under tensile loads or the evolution of microstructures under prolonged exposures at high temperatures.
Dr Katerina Christofidou is a Senior Lecutrer/Associate Professor in Metallurgy at the University of Sheffield, whare she also leads the Materials Discovery and Prototyping technology platform for the Henry Royce Institute. She has previously held research and project management roles at the University of Cambridge as part of the Rolls-Royce University Yechnology Centre, the University of Manchester. and the Henry Royce Institute.
She holds a PhD in Metallurgy from the University of Cambridge and an MEng in Aerospace Materials Engineering from Imperial College, London. Her research focusee on bridging high performance alloy design and advanced manufacturing following two key stands; a) accelerated methods of alloy development and high throughput including design for manufacture and b) advanced diffraction methods for non-destructive alloy evaluation applied to high performance engineering components.
Stefan March CEng FIET
The waterless furnace
Water is commonly used as the coolant for Vacuum Induction (VIM) Furnaces for the coil, power lead-throughs and seals (see picture on next slide). What if the material you are melting required, from a safety case perspective, that there were no water or hydro-carbon liquid cooling allowed in close proximity to the metal when at elevated temperatures? This was the challenge we faced ! We needed to prove we could operate a waterless Furnace safely meeting all the existing requirements for casting and at least maintaining the existing metallurgical characteristics.
The MTC Solution was enabled by Teamwork between ourselves, the Customer, University of Birmingham and a leading Vacuum Furnace manufacturer.
Stefan is a Chartered Engineer with extesive operational/change management experience of engaging and working at Director level to large multi-national organisations. He is a strong exponent of Lean values and behaviours, linking skills development to sustainable business quality, cost and delivery improvement.
John Whittaker CEng MIMMM
John is an experienced chartered engineer (CEng) with a diverse background in the analytical industry, service and engineering management. He has an impressive 30-year career with extensive experience in various sectors, including electron microscopy and analysis applications in semiconductor, nuclear, and biological facilities. Starting in the chemical industry, he transitioned into the analytical sector, where he managed multifaceted teams of engineering and application specialists. Over the years, he progressed into engineering and project management roles, showcasing his expertise in these areas.
In 2014, John took on the role of Technical Services head at The University of Manchester for Graphene@Manchester. During this time, he played a crucial role in developing and implementing cleanrooms and laboratory facilities for the National Graphene Institute (NGI). This institute is at the forefront of graphene research and commercialization, housing world-class facilities and leading research efforts in the field.
Currently, John serves as the Engineering Director for the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester. His responsibilities include overseeing all engineering matters for the centre, with a specific focus on expanding the facility to accommodate new industry partners and efficiently deliver projects with industry and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The GEIC, completed in 2018, is a state-of-the-art facility that facilitates the industrial development and scale-up of graphene and 2D materials applications. John has been involved with the GEIC from its design and implementation stages through to its operational status.
Additionally, John has actively contributed to the University's Faculty of Science and Engineering Professional Services Leadership Team and served as a member of the Technical Apprenticeship Board. He has collaborated with the Health & Safety Executive on matters related to nano-materials safety, underlining his commitment to safety and compliance. John holds NEBOSH certifications, emphasizing his expertise in risk and compliance management.
In summary, John's extensive experience and leadership roles in the analytical industry, particularly in graphene research and innovation, make him a valuable contributor to the field and the University of Manchester's endeavours in this cutting-edge area of science and technology.
Dr Antonio Pagliuca
The Innovation Journey and 15% Culture – Materials Science Applied to Life at 3M
Antonio’s talk will revolve around how engineers and scientists at 3M use the 15% culture to innovate and how cross fertilization is essential for successful innovation and new product launches. He will also discuss how a material scientist can use the innovation process to deliver impactful change.
Dr Antonio Pagliuca is an experienced technical materials specialist and works as a Senior Specialist for 3M Automotive and Aerospace division for the last 10 years.
He has a first-class degree in Polymer Science and a PhD from the Joining Technology Research Centre, Oxford on adhesive bonding. Antonio’s background includes significant previous experience of working with engineering materials which span the full range from the formulation of sealants and adhesives through to the application of such materials working for different applications and markets – including automotive, electric vehicles and aerospace.
He has also worked as a technical consultant and niche bespoke manufacturer of formulated coatings, adhesives, plastic/rubber compounds and has several patent applications granted.
Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI
Mr Avery Cunningham AIMMM
Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI
Mr Avery Cunningham AIMMM
Engineering a better future: Weaving EDI into Materials Science
Equity/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are more than just buzzwords in the modern world; they are crucial elements for fostering innovation and growth. Here, Avery will talk about what EDI truly means, why it should be a central concern for every professional/student, and the profound impact it can have on both individual careers, the broader field and the future of people coming into the profession. We will hear how Avery developed their own work into EDI, first as an undergraduate student in nuclear and materials science, into his current work as a widening participation outreach officer, working to encourage the next generation of material scientists as well as actionable steps we can all take to make our workplaces, our lives and spaces for the people around us a better place. Attendees will be equipped with knowledge and resources to actively promote and contribute to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive culture in their respective fields. The aim is to inspire a commitment to EDI, paving the way for a future where materials science not only advances technologically but also becomes a leading example of societal progress and inclusivity.
Avery currently works as the Outreach Officer for the Levelling Up scheme at the University of Birmingham. This national scheme works to get underrepresented groups into chemistry, physics, mathematics and materials science. Prior to this Avery studied Nuclear Science and Materials at the University of Birmingham.
Avery became involved with IOM3 as a founding member of IOM3 Pride back in 2020 before becoming Vice-Chair of the network in 2021. He currently is the Director of Student Membership for oSTEM (Out in STEM) managing over 100 student chapters globally and founded their UK Regional Conference which will be celebrating its 5th anniversary in 2023. Avery has worked with universities across the UK using his experiences as a transgender, bisexual, autistic disabled man to educate and advocate for real change in STEM for people who are LGBTQ+.
Sponsored by
Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
At the GEIC, we do something that isn’t replicated elsewhere in UK academia. We are a state-of-the-art translation centre, which accelerates lab-to-market development, enabling companies to fast-track Technology Readiness Levels and launch new technologies, products and processes that exploit the truly remarkable properties of graphene and 2D materials. In ten years, we have helped more than 350 companies – from large corporations to spin-outs – secure the competitive edge they need, accelerating their growth by developing help for a strong product, crafting a well-researched go-to-market strategy, and offering access to a strong organisation culture.
University of Manchester | Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
Henry Royce Institute
The Henry Royce Institute is the UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation. Royce was established to ensure the UK can exploit its world-leading expertise in advanced materials and accelerate innovation from discovery to application. With investment of over £330 million from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Royce is ensuring that both the UK academic and industrial materials community have access to world-class research capabilities, infrastructure, expertise, and skills development.
From future cities and their energy supplies, to computing, manufacturing and medicine, the research and innovation facilitated by Royce has the potential to significantly impact peoples’ lives. With its Hub in Manchester and with capability distributed across nine founding Partners, Royce works collaboratively to create real solutions and make a fundamental difference to the UK economy.
Through a variety of access grants, Royce offers students, academics, and industry world-class equipment, expertise and training, to support their advanced materials research.
Organised by
The Student & Early Career Group represents the views of student, younger and early career members to the Institute's Executive Board and Advisory Council. We aim to represent the diverse range of members by ensuring Council representatives cover the different disciplines, regions and career pathways of student and early career members.