WEMMA co-hosted the Networking and Professional Development Symposium

IOM3 representatives supported researchers, students, and industry professionals.

IOM3 affiliated regional society, The West of England Metals and Materials Association (WEMMA), in partnership with the Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes and Structures (IMPS) in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bath, hosted the first Academia and Industry Networking and Professional Development Symposium last month. The event delivered a day of technical talks, professional development, and networking.

In addition to strengthening links between academia and industry, practical guidance on continuing professional development and professional registration was given. Attendees had the chance to learn more about the activities of WEMMA from Dr Chris Dighton MIMMM, and IMPS from Professor Jenny Baker CEng FIMMM.

The technical programme reflected the breadth of modern materials engineering, spanning supply-chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, construction materials, and aerospace applications. The keynote address was delivered by IOM3 President Christine Blackmore BSc MSc CEnv CSci FIMMM, who discussed why global materials supply is becoming increasingly uncertain, highlighting the impact of geopolitical instability, trade disruption, and rising demand driven by electrification and emerging technologies, while outlining the importance of resilience, responsible sourcing, and innovation.

Academic perspectives on advanced manufacturing were provided by Dr Shwe Soe CEng MIMechE, Wallscourt Associate Professor in Digital Manufacturing at UWE, who discussed the additive manufacturability of multifunctional programmable metamaterials, demonstrating how architected materials can be designed to achieve tailored mechanical, thermal, and acoustic performance. Dr Ilda Tole, University of Bath, discussed mechanochemical and thermal activation of minerals, showcasing research linked to an EPSRC-funded project assessing over 70 UK clay sources, and highlighting routes to transform low-reactivity materials and industrial by-products into low-carbon supplementary cementitious materials.

Strong industrial engagement was a key feature of the event. Honorary Professor Steve Brooks CEng FIMMM, UK Technical Director at Ardex, spoke on engineering reactive minerals in cement systems, focusing on the controlled formation of ettringite and the importance of solution chemistry in achieving reliable structural performance in commercial products. Dr Lashmi Parimi FIMMM, Principal Research Specialist in Materials and Processes at GKN Aerospace, presented GKN’s approach to industrialising additive manufacturing for aerospace components, addressing productivity, microstructural control, buildability, and quality assurance challenges through industrial case studies. EUR ING Paula Dugdale CEng FIMMM MEng, Air Safety Investigation Engineer at Rolls-Royce, provided insights into the role of materials engineers in air safety investigations, illustrating how materials analysis contributes to understanding failure mechanisms and improving aviation safety.

In addition to the technical programme, professional development formed a central part of the day. Dr Diane Aston FIMMM MWES, IOM3 Head of Education and Professional Development, delivered a practical guide to applying for MIMMM, FIMMM, and professional registration as CSci, CEnv, and CEng, outlining application routes, documentation requirements, and the professional review process. This was followed by an interactive workshop session, giving delegates the opportunity to discuss their own career pathways and application preparation.

The symposium attracted participants from across academia and industry in the South-West region and beyond. Feedback from attendees was highly positive, particularly regarding the balance between technical content and practical career development.

Following the success of this first joint event, WEMMA and IMPS plan to build on this model with future collaborative activities aimed at strengthening academia–industry links and supporting the professional development of materials engineers at all career stages.