Our communities
Whether you're looking for like-minded individuals in a technical field, support in your career or networking with local members, our communities will make you feel welcome
#WeAreIOM3
Many disciplines. One community. Shaping the future.
This campaign celebrates who we are, what we do and why it matters. By sharing personal stories and showcasing the range of work and voices across our community, we aim to inspire connection, champion inclusion and show what is possible when expertise comes together.
At the heart of IOM3 are 22 Technical Communities, each focused on a different area of expertise. These include biomedical applications, structural and functional materials, ceramics, polymers, packaging, mining technology and more. Together, they reflect the breadth of knowledge and experience across our profession.
Explore our 22 Technical Communities
By connecting people across disciplines, we support deeper understanding, better decisions and more joined-up approaches to the complex challenges we face.
Our communities bring people together around shared interests. They support knowledge exchange, encourage collaboration and help drive innovation across sectors.
We are a broad and diverse community. Our members work across industry, academia, consultancy, policy, research, education and beyond. Some are just starting out. Others bring years of experience.
What connects us is a shared commitment to advancing materials, minerals and mining for the benefit of all. We learn from each other, support one another and move forward together.
We are IOM3.
And this campaign is about telling their story.
Meet our members
Click on a member to read their story.
Dr Debra Carr CEng FIMMM
What inspired you to get into materials, minerals, or mining?
An A-level physics experiment with the aim of measuring the stress/strain response of a piano wire hung from the classroom ceiling with increasing mass being added. I was fascinated and wanted to understand why.
Can you share a moment in your career that shaped your journey?
Realising during my undergraduate studies at Sunderland Polytechnic that I loved research. This and a conversation with my final year project supervisor led me to seek a PhD position and a career focused on research.
What motivated you to join IOM3, and how has your involvement shaped your journey?
My PhD supervisor at the University of Birmingham encouraged me to join the British Composites Society in the 1990s. I went to a meeting at NPL shortly afterwards and I've remained a member of the subsequent organisations that led to IOM3 since. Over the years, I've attended many conferences and events and I've been involved in the Defence, Safety and Security Leadership Group since 2010. Events and meetings are fabulous for networking and I always learn something!
What does being a part of the IOM3 community mean for your personal and professional growth?
Gaining my CEng and Fellowship through IOM3 have been critical for several jobs that I've held.
What role do you think collaboration across sectors plays in solving challenges in your field?
Collaboration across sectors allows the introduction of technology transfer and stimulates innovation.
What do you like most about IOM3?
The people.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining IOM3?
If you are looking for a professional body in materials, minerals and mining there is no option. IOM3 provides a route to professional qualifications which are increasingly important for many careers. IOM3 organised conferences and events provide the opportunity for upskilling and networking. Participating in and/or volunteering with one or more of the IOM3 Groups provides opportunities around networking and development of transferable skills.
What do you think the future holds for your industry?
Defence is moving in interesting directions. Materials design and development to match required properties and/or capabilities will continue to be critical in my opinion.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Look for opportunities not challenges.
Dr Renjie Mi CEng MIMMM
What inspired you to get into materials, minerals, or mining?
My passion for sustainable construction materials, particularly low-carbon concrete, stems from the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment. Over the past eight years, during my PhD and postdoctoral research, I have focused on the net-zero design of concrete through carbonation modelling, developing innovative carbon sequestration technologies, and conducting comprehensive life-cycle assessments. I am deeply motivated by the potential of these approaches to significantly lower carbon emissions, improve material sustainability, and promote circularity within the construction industry. This commitment drives my ongoing dedication to advancing eco-friendly and effective low-carbon technologies for construction materials.
Can you share a moment in your career that shaped your journey?
A defining moment in my career is my current MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Cambridge, where I am developing innovative carbon calculators for concrete. This work is providing valuable insights into the environmental impact of different concrete materials and revealing the significant potential for low-carbon solutions within the construction sector. Being at the forefront of this research has deepened my understanding of sustainable materials and strengthened my commitment to advancing net-zero design principles. This experience continues to shape my journey and motivates my future work.
What motivated you to join IOM3, and how has your involvement shaped your journey?
IOM3 global network offers invaluable resources and connections that have greatly supported my research on low-carbon construction materials. Through their platform, I have been able to engage in key collaborations with experts worldwide, helping me stay at the forefront of sustainability within materials science. My involvement with IOM3 has broadened my perspective, provided access to cutting-edge knowledge, and strengthened my approach to the net-zero design of concrete. Overall, the Institute has played a significant role in shaping my professional development and research impact.
What does being a part of the IOM3 community mean for your personal and professional growth?
Being part of the IOM3 community has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, particularly as I work towards achieving Chartered Engineer status. The community offers valuable resources, expert guidance, and extensive networking opportunities that have enhanced my knowledge and skills in sustainable construction materials. Engaging with fellow members has broadened my understanding of industry challenges and innovations, helping me to grow not only as a researcher but also as a competent and confident engineer committed to advancing sustainability in the built environment.
How has IOM3 helped you grow your network or open new doors?
IOM3 has played a crucial role in expanding my professional network, especially as I work towards my Chartered Engineer status. The diverse and vibrant community of engineers, researchers, and industry professionals has opened numerous doors to valuable collaborations, conferences, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Engaging with this network has allowed me to connect with experts across different sectors, enhancing my visibility and access to cutting-edge developments. These experiences have significantly broadened my professional reach and strengthened my career prospects in sustainable construction materials.
What role do you think collaboration across sectors plays in solving challenges in your field?
Collaboration across sectors plays a crucial role in tackling the complex challenges faced in sustainable construction materials. Bringing together experts from engineering, policy, environmental science, and industry enables the development of holistic, innovative solutions that no single discipline could achieve alone. Such interdisciplinary cooperation is essential to accelerate the transition to net-zero design of concrete, a core focus of my research. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can overcome technical, regulatory, and practical barriers, ultimately driving more sustainable and impactful outcomes for the built environment.
What do you like most about IOM3?
What I appreciate most about IOM3 is its strong emphasis on professional development, especially for individuals working towards Chartered Engineer status. The Institute offers an excellent platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration across a wide range of materials science and engineering disciplines. This supportive environment has provided me with invaluable resources and opportunities that have directly benefited my research and career progression. IOM3 commitment to fostering a vibrant, engaged community makes it an essential organisation for anyone passionate about advancing their expertise and impact in the field.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining IOM3?
I would highly recommend joining IOM3 to anyone aspiring to achieve Chartered Engineer status. The Institute provides a wealth of opportunities for professional development, networking, and access to the latest research and industry insights. Being part of IOM3 means connecting with a supportive and diverse community of materials science and engineering professionals who are passionate about innovation and sustainability. It’s an invaluable platform for anyone looking to advance their career, gain mentorship, and stay informed about developments shaping the future of the field.
What do you think the future holds for your industry?
The future of the materials science and engineering industry is firmly centred on sustainability, with growing emphasis on developing low-carbon and net-zero solutions. Innovations such as carbon capture technologies integrated into concrete design will play a pivotal role in tackling climate change and reducing the built environment’s carbon footprint. This shift will drive collaboration between academia and industry, fostering new research directions and practical applications. I believe these advancements will not only transform construction materials but also contribute significantly to global efforts for a more sustainable and resilient future.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
My advice to someone starting out in materials science would be to stay curious and open-minded, embracing interdisciplinary learning wherever possible. Sustainability is increasingly central to the field, so focusing on eco-friendly and low-carbon solutions will be invaluable. Building a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills is essential to effectively address evolving challenges. Additionally, actively networking and collaborating with experts from diverse backgrounds will not only broaden your perspective but also foster innovation and open up exciting career opportunities.
Dr Sarah Smythe CEng MIMMM
What inspired you to get into materials, minerals or mining?
I got to the end of my MChem in Chemistry and I was so unsure about what I wanted to do. I loved doing small scale experiments, but it was all so novel. I wanted to understand how we take these small novel experiments and turn them into bridges, trains, planes. That is where Materials Engineering came in.
Can you share a moment in your career that shaped your journey?
In 2015, I took a gamble and headed straight from Chemistry into a Materials Engineering PhD (with the Advanced Metallics Systems CDT). I had no clue where it would take me – but I’m now in a job I love, working on incredible new technologies and contributing towards the future of aerospace!
What motivated you to join IOM3, and how has your involvement shaped your journey?
Throughout my time in an academic setting, IOM3 have been a constant presence. When I moved to BAE Systems, my head of department was a Fellow at IOM3 – and they provided the inspiration to get my CEng. My involvement in IOM3 has helped me to get a CEng, provided me opportunities to volunteer and give talks – these skills and opportunities have helped me progress in my career.
What does being a part of the IOM3 community mean for your personal and professional growth?
The IOM3 community is vast and there is so much opportunity. From the monthly nudges to look at different roles, see what courses are happening – through to being able to apply skills gained through volunteering at my day job. The IOM3 community gives so much support.
How has IOM3 helped you grow you network or open new doors?
I’ve been put forwarded to give talks through local institutes because of IOM3, contacted to write articles, do interviews. They’ve given me the opportunity to support Chartership by becoming an assessor. There are so many options to get involved, that have allowed me to grow my network, do something different.
What role do you think collaboration across sectors plays in solving challenges in your field?
In the field of Materials (and no doubt in almost every other field), the challenges are never single sector – they just impact sectors differently. In the military air sphere, we are looking for driving lower cost, improved mechanical performance, ability to withstand damage, lightweight materials. This is echoed in land, sea and even sectors like the medical industry. It is often the case that sectors take lessons learned from sectors we have no involvement in – and I think that’s really important. Collaboration is incredibly important.
What would you say to someone thinking about joining IOM3?
Do it. At the very least, you get some emails, a magazine. But if you make the most of it, IOM3 opens a lot of doors, provides training, opportunities to step out of your comfort zone, volunteer, and network with people you may never have otherwise met.
What do you think the future holds for your industry?
It isn’t difficult to see that the world is in a very turbulent time and whilst this bodes well for the military aerospace and defence sectors, it does mean we have to think differently, work differently. Looking at global conflict in the past, a significant amount of invention and different ways of working came from it. This time it is no different – but the global technological advanced make it significantly harder – especially given the accessibility of complex technology to the typical civilian – let alone in global military forces. We have to think smarter, address new challenges and it’s an interesting time for sure.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
It is a large field and there are not enough engineers. Make your mark, be creative and seek out innovation. Think differently – the world is changing and the challenges society faces (regardless of the sector) change with it. Persevere – not everyone likes change, not everyone wants to do things differently – but we know everything can’t stay the same.
Peter Davies CEng MIMMM
What inspired you to get into materials, minerals, or mining?
I wanted to be involved in a form of engineering that was not tied to working behind a desk and which offered the opportunity for working abroad.
Can you share a moment in your career that shaped your journey?
Recognising that coming out of university was the start of the real learning process
What motivated you to join IOM3, and how has your involvement shaped your journey?
I joined both IMM and IME at the time that I left university. In those days, the technical papers published by both organisations kept me informed about the rapid developments in technology and mining/processing methods taking place at the time.
What does being a part of the IOM3 community mean for your personal and professional growth?
At this stage (being retired) only as a way of keeping abreast of new developments and hopefully as the chance of passing on some of my experience to younger members of the community.
What do you like most about IOM3?
Materials World Magazine is an excellent source of concise information on a wide range of new developments in the fields covered by IOM3
What would you say to someone thinking about joining IOM3?
Become a Member if your career will involve any of the fields covered by IOM3
What do you think the future holds for your industry?
Sourcing raw materials efficiently, safely and in an environmentally acceptable manner is critical if we are to achieve the ‘green revolution’. So are improvements in recycling, reduction of waste, the circular economy and new developments in the use of materials and techniques, particularly for electricity generation and storage. The challenge is to balance supply and demand in the face of an acute shortage of industry professionals, a general antipathy towards mining, the increasing difficulty of gaining approval for new mining projects in the face of environmental and social objections and the sovereign risk of government or activist action shutting down or expropriating existing operations.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
Recognise that the degree that you have just earned is only a licence to start learning. Plan to spend the first years of your career working in relatively low ranking jobs on minesites, preferably in a larger company that can provide a range of experience and a range of mentors. You may (or more likely, may not) use anything that you learned at university later in your career, but at the start you have two priorities. 1) to learn the practicalities of all aspects of a mining operation, from the geology, through mining and processing, infrastructure requirements, product transport and marketing. 2) to learn to respect and communicate with the people working at the operator level: to recognise how much knowledge they have of what works and what can be improved, and to learn what motivates or demotivates them.
Want to get involved?
We welcome all members to take part in the #WeAreIOM3 campaign.
If you would like to share your story, get in touch with our IOM3 Marketing & Communications team.
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