M3P3 2025: bringing our communities together
A look back at M3P3 and how our communities came together.
We’ve been reflecting on a year of collaboration, conversation and progress across our communities. Over the past year, we’ve explored the ideas behind Materials, Minerals & Mining for People, Places, Planet (M3P3). Our event in November 2025 in Birmingham brought all this work together in one place. It created space for open and interdisciplinary conversations and over two lively days that is exactly what happened.
The event buzzed with energy from start to finish. Delegates appreciated the chance to connect across sectors and share varied perspectives and ideas. One attendee described the conference as ‘a hugely impressive event with multi-faceted dialogues, thought-provoking plenaries and deep-dive breakouts.’ Another told us it was ‘great to network with people in a similar field. Bringing multiple organisations into one room feels rare.’
Our sectors play a key role in the UK’s plans for net-zero, stronger energy systems, a growing manufacturing base and greener supply chains. The landscape is changing fast. Skills are evolving and pressures on supply and demand are rising. We need progress that’s responsible, efficient and future-focused.
That’s why these conversations matter. The choices we make now will shape what comes next. M3P3 was created as a space for open, honest discussion where people can share experiences and learn from one another. It’s where those closest to the issues come together to explore ideas and start shaping practical solutions.
Delegates spoke warmly about the connections they made, and the variety of topics covered. One shared, ‘It was amazing to meet so many brilliant researchers, industry leaders and innovators.’ Others appreciated the smaller INFORM roundtable sessions that gave space for deeper questions and focused discussion. The mix of senior and highly relevant delegates meant conversations were not just interesting, but worthwhile. One attendee said, ‘I learned a lot and gained a clearer understanding of how we must bridge today’s industrial challenges with the skills and technologies needed for tomorrow.’
Upstairs in the IOM3 area, policy teams, membership staff and journal editors hosted roundtables and informal chats. Downstairs, INFORM roundtables and exhibitors brought practical examples, showing the strength of our collective knowledge.
Alongside the wider programme, sponsors and exhibitors helped make the event possible and provided chances for people to connect. Thanks to their generous support, we were able to bring our flagship event to life, one we’ll remember for years to come.
Our technical communities were at the heart of the programme. Working across disciplines they showed what makes IOM3 unique and how collaboration is shaping the future of our sectors. As one delegate said: ‘It was great to see all the communities together. The auditorium programme mixed up some of the common crossover topics which worked well.’
The networking dinner and drinks gave everyone a chance to unwind. Informal games like mini golf, Connect Four and giant Jenga created a welcoming atmosphere where people could relax and connect.
M3P3 came alive because of our community. Every conversation, question and shared experience helped shape the event. Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed to sessions or simply made time to connect with others.
A special thank you to our staff, volunteers, speakers, event partners and sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without you.
#WeAreIOM3
We're continuing the conversation with content from M3P3, including the latest episode of our #IOM3Investigates podcast. Ed Conway HonFIMMM, Economics Editor at Sky News and author of Material World, delivered the keynote presentation at M3P3, recorded live at the event. In his book, Ed explores the six raw materials that underpin modern life: sand, salt, iron, copper, oil and lithium. Together, they shape everything from the buildings around us to the technologies driving the green transition. Listen online:
Related resources
To support the wider conversation, we’ve brought together a selection of content connected to contributors from the M3P3 programme. This includes material that was already open access alongside content that has been opened up for wider access. Together, they offer further reading linked to the themes and discussions explored at the event.
Photography credit: Ravinder Bhurji (Warwick Photography Studio)
#WeAreIOM3
Many disciplines. One community. Shaping the future. This campaign celebrates our people and work, inspiring connection and championing inclusion. With 22 Technical Communities spanning areas like biomedical, ceramics, polymers, mining and more, we showcase the breadth and expertise that define IOM3.