OnMaterials

Innovation on the frontline: rebuilding bodies with ‘Bone Bricks’

By Paulo Bartolo, Andy Weightman and Glen Cooper Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted: October 17, 2019

In this blog a team from the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at The University of Manchester introduce their innovative pilot project ‘Bone Bricks’ which demonstrates how advanced materials can play a key part in providing solutions to global challenges. The Bone Bricks pilot project was born, seeking a solution to the kinds […]

We’re only scratching the surface: why surface engineering matters, to our city, and beyond

By Allan Matthews Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: October 10, 2019

In this blog, Professor Allan Matthews highlights the importance of surface engineering in the development and sustainability of materials and sets out why surface engineering should remain part of the conversation in order to position Greater Manchester as a global leader in materials innovation. Surface engineering modifies the surface of what lies beneath, to make it […]

We need an ‘Internet of Materials’ to get from lab to market faster

By Phil Withers Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted: October 3, 2019

In this blog Professor Phil Withers, Chief Scientist at the Henry Royce Institute calls for an ‘Internet of Materials’ to help the UK to innovate faster, smarter and with a more competitive edge. A new material or process can utterly transform a sector, or even our lifestyle. Failing fast in the lab and learning quickly […]

Learning from nature: a sustainable bio-based future?

By Kirk J Malone Filed Under: Science and Technology Posted: September 20, 2019

Dr Kirk J Malone is Director of Commercialisation at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. In this blog he looks to nature as part of a wider rethink into how we produce, process and recycle materials. • There needs to be a fundamental rethink in the way we manufacture and dispose of materials. • One of […]

Advanced materials and electricity: the power to help save the world?

By Richard Fields Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Engineering Posted: September 11, 2019

In this blog, Dr Richard Fields looks at the need to be creative in developing transformative technologies such as advancements in battery life, in order to stave off an environmental disaster and ultimately safeguard humanity’s survival. • The cost of batteries has fallen faster than even the most optimistic forecasts, which means the future for […]

Biomaterials: how can we get from the lab to the patient sooner, and more easily?

By Sarah Cartmell Filed Under: Science and Engineering Posted: September 5, 2019

Sarah Cartmell is a Professor of Bioengineering at The University of Manchester and is currently Head of the Department of Materials which is home to nearly 2,000 students and staff. In this blog, Sarah explores why it can take so long for biomaterials to get from the laboratory to being used by patients and highlights […]

Science, industry, and government must pull together to solve our plastic addiction

By Mike Shaver Filed Under: Energy and Environment, Science and Technology Posted: September 5, 2019

Mike Shaver is currently Professor of Polymer Science at the University of Manchester in the School of Materials. In this article Mike explores how we should be viewing the use of plastic and also how we can avoid the potential environmental problems from plastic alternatives. Sustainable alternatives to plastic need thoughtful analysis of the whole […]

We need an ‘Internet of Materials’ to get from lab to market faster

Learning from nature: a sustainable bio-based future?

Advanced materials and electricity: the power to help save the world?

Science, industry, and government must pull together to solve our plastic addiction

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