2025 YPLC UK returns to Armourers' Hall, London
The Young Persons' Lecture Competition UK Final was held on 8 May at the Armourers' Hall, London.
The Young Persons' Lecture Competition 2025 UK Final returned to the Armourers' Hall this year, with the support of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers and sponsors Henry Royce Institute, Lucideon, and East Midlands Materials Society. The competition invites students and early career professionals (from 18 up to the age of 28) to deliver a short lecture (12 to 15 mins) on a materials, minerals, mining, packaging, clay technology, wood science or engineering-related subject.
IOM3 President Christine Blackmore CEnv CSci FIMMM gave the welcoming address, after which all six finalists gave their presentations, followed by judges' questions and a post-event reception.
First prize at the YPLC 2025 UK final was awarded to Dr Hamish Dow, representing Scotland. Hamish is a Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where he explores novel AI-based imaging techniques for detecting and quantifying defects in concrete structures. His winning lecture highlighted the use of AI for visual inspections, showcased innovative methods developed at Strathclyde, and shared real-world case studies demonstrating AI-driven inspection applications. Hamish will go on to represent the UK at the IOM3 Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition (YPWLC) final in November, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
On his win, Hamish says, 'I really enjoyed participating in the IOM3 YPLC. It was great to hear such a diverse range of amazing presentations from all the other participants, and I had the chance to network with some fantastic people. I’m incredibly proud to take home the first-place award for my lecture on novel concrete inspection methods. Thanks again to IOM3 for organising such a great event. I'm already looking forward to representing the UK at the IOM3 Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition later this year!'
Second and third prize went to Samual Ngombe from South West & South Wales and Emma Bryan from South East, respectively.
The 2025 judging panel included Antonia Fan CEng CSci MIMMM, Dr Katie L Moore MIMMM, and Dr Geoffrey Andrews FIMMM. The event was chaired by Hannah Hilton-Tapp AIMMM.
Previous YPLC finalist and now judge, Dr Katie L Moore, reflected on the event, saying, 'It was a pleasure and honour to be a judge for the National final of the YPLC, although it was certainly not an easy job; all the finalists delivered amazing talks. I still remember fondly my own experience from 2010 when I won the national final, including one of the questions asked, so it was very interesting to see the other side of the competition and once again have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Amourers’ Hall.'
Hamish Dow, First Place
Samual Ngombe, Second Place
Emma Bryan, Third Place
The lectures of the three winners are available to watch:
Congratulations to all the participants for reaching the finals, and the three winners!
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