2026 YPLC UK Final held at Armourers’ Hall, London
The IOM3 Young Persons’ Lecture Competition (YPLC) UK Final was held on 21 May 2026 at Armourers’ Hall in London.
The prestigious final took place with the support of the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, alongside partners and supporters including the Henry Royce Institute and the Midland Institute of Mining Engineers. The competition invites students and early‑career professionals (aged 18–28) to deliver a 15‑minute lecture on a materials, minerals, mining, packaging or wider engineering topic.
Following a welcome address, finalists from across the UK presented on a wide range of subjects, spanning advanced alloys, hydrogen storage, nuclear materials, photovoltaics and sustainable fibres. Each presentation was followed by questions from the judging panel, highlighting not only technical knowledge but also communication skills and confidence.
First prize at the YPLC 2026 UK Final was awarded to Adam Garside (South West and South Wales).
The competition's finalists demonstrated the breadth and depth of early‑career research and innovation across the materials, minerals and mining sectors. The winner will go on to represent the UK at the IOM3 Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition later this year.
Second and third prizes were awarded to Heena Faulder (North East) and Angus Coyne-Grell (Scotland), respectively.
On winning first place, Adam Garside said, 'I want to thank the IOM3, the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, the Henry Royce Institute, the Midland Institute of Mining Engineers and all my friends and family. It’s been such an honour to be able to represent South West and South Wales, and it’s been a wonderful experience sharing the stage with so many other passionate young engineers.’
Second-place winner Heena Faulder says, 'Participating in the YPLC completely changed me as a presenter and a professional. It forced me to step far out of my comfort zone to present my research, but the experience was incredibly rewarding. The entire atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, which made a massive difference. During the recording, the IOM3 team were absolutely fantastic at putting my nerves to rest, allowing me to focus on delivering my presentation with greater confidence.'
We're grateful to all finalists for their outstanding presentations, and to the judging panel for their time, expertise and thoughtful feedback. Thanks also go to the event’s supporters, Henry Royce Institute, Midland Institute for Mining Engineers and The Armourers & Brasiers' Company, for helping to deliver another successful competition, and to all those who attended and contributed to an inspiring evening.
Adam Garside, Winner
Heena Faulder, 2nd place
Angus Coyne-Grell, 3rd 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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