Step into the future of materials science at ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥'s premier Materials Innovation Showcase, where cutting-edge research meets industrial impact. This high-energy event will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in multifunctional materials, extreme environment operations, advanced characterisation, and sustainable materials engineering, brought to life by Cranfield’s world-leading researchers and innovators.

This inaugural showcase will feature a special focus on hydrogen technologies, aerospace advancements, energy storage and transport, and defence materials, highlighting Cranfield’s pivotal role in enabling the UK’s transition to clean energy and resilient infrastructure. Explore how novel materials including CMCs, biomaterials and vitrimers are driving innovation in aerospace, energy, automotive, and national security sectors.

Expect interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and thought-provoking talks from academic and industry leaders with applications insights. Discover how Verder Scientific’s advanced instrumentation is powering precision and progress across the materials landscape - from lab to operation and onwards to a zero-carbon future.

Whether you're a researcher, student, policymaker, or industry professional, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and be inspired by the future of materials science looking ahead to 2050.

What to expect 

Get ready for two days of breakthrough science you can feel. Dive into hard‑hitting research from Cranfield’s world‑leading labs, with rapid‑fire academic and industry presentations that showcase the innovations pushing aerospace, energy, defence, and sustainability forward. Experience live demonstrations, show‑and‑tell sessions, researcher poster sessions, innovative commercial research success stories, and exclusive facilities tours that reveal the technology behind Cranfield’s biggest research wins. Explore standout student posters from the Centre for Materials and the Magan Centre for Applied Mycology, and sharpen your innovation strategy by discussing with our team how Cranfield’s research gives you scalable solutions with real‑world impact.

 

What we'll drive into at Science to Solutions

Explore a dynamic showcase of next‑generation materials research, where ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥’s scientific excellence meets Verder Scientific’s precision technologies. Across two days, you’ll journey through breakthroughs shaping aerospace, energy, defence, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing.

 âš¡ Energy Storage & Future Transport

Uncover how advanced materials, coatings, and characterisation techniques are revolutionising energy storage systems and enabling cleaner, more efficient transport technologies. From thermal energy storage challenges to high‑temperature corrosion resistance, you’ll see how research is pushing performance and durability to new heights.

🚀 Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) for Aerospace & Space

Step into the world of high‑temperature, ultra‑lightweight ceramic matrix composites. Discover how new manufacturing methods are unlocking CMCs for extreme environments in aviation, spaceflight, and high‑speed propulsion—driving lighter engines, hotter turbines, and more resilient systems.

🔋 Hydrogen Storage, Transport & Testing

Hydrogen is central to a net‑zero future, and this showcase highlights the emerging materials, metamaterials, and safety technologies enabling its adoption. Explore innovations in lightweight hydrogen storage systems, permeation‑resistant coatings, and state‑of‑the‑art hydrogen testing methods that deliver true operational insight.

🔥 Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs)

See how advanced multilayer TBC systems are being engineered to survive the punishing conditions of next‑generation turbines and hypersonic vehicles. Discover how new coating architectures improve wear resistance, thermal insulation, and hydrogen protection—all critical to future aerospace and energy platforms.

ðŸ›¡ï¸ Lightweight Armour & Protection Systems

Experience the science behind high‑performance armour: impact‑resistant composites, hybrid structures, and energy‑absorbing materials engineered for defence and security. Learn how Cranfield’s research pushes weight reduction without compromising protection.

ÓË»ï¸ Vitrimers & Reprocessable Polymers

Enter the world of self‑healing, recyclable polymers redefining composite manufacturing. Vitrimers bring repairability, circular lifecycle potential, and high‑temperature stability—unlocking sustainable solutions across energy, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.

🧪 Biomaterials & Mycology

Discover how bio‑derived materials—from fungal mycelium to engineered biopolymers—can deliver lightweight, sustainable, low‑carbon alternatives for construction, packaging, insulation, and more. Explore a rapidly growing frontier in regenerative and environmentally conscious design.

âš™ï¸ Rubber & Polymer Materials

Dive into advanced elastomers, novel polymer formulations, and enhanced characterisation techniques shaping performance under fatigue, dynamic loading, and harsh chemical conditions. Essential for aerospace seals, energy systems, automotive components, and industrial applications.

â„ï¸ Extreme Environments & Extreme Cold

Explore materials designed to thrive under the harshest conditions: ultra‑high temperatures, cryogenic systems, corrosive atmospheres, and intense mechanical loading. Discover how engineered surfaces, coatings, and composites ensure reliability where failure is not an option.

✨ Atomic Layer Deposition & Plasma Deposition

See how atomic‑scale precision manufacturing enables next‑generation coatings, thin films, and engineered surfaces. From hydrogen‑resistant layers to nanoscale electronics and high‑performance sensors, ALD and plasma technologies are redefining what’s possible in material design and device fabrication.

Event Programme

09:30-10:10 Coffee & registration
10:10-10:30 Opening presentation & introduction
10:30-11:00 Carbolite Title: The Challenges in Industry for Heat treatment of CMC’s Presenter: Tom Gould
11:00-11:30 Academic presentation Cranfield Centre for Materials Title: Unlocking low-cost CMC manufacturing Presenter: Dr Geoffrey Neale
11:30-12:00 Eltra Title: Elemental Analysis aiding in the Defence industry Presenter: Kaan Toprak
12:00-12:30 Academic Presentation
12:30-13:20 Lunch Break
13:20-14:00 Qness Title: Combine scratch testing and hardness testing in one system with AI functionality for Aerospace, Automotive & General applications Presenter: TBC
14:00-14:30 Academic Presentation
14:30-16:00 Workshops / Networking
15:00-16:00 Facility Tour
17:00-17:30 Poster session & end of day networking
18:00 Evening Meal

Location and travel details

ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥, Vincent Building

Who should attend

• Industry professionals
• Researchers and academics
• Students and early-career scientists

Cost

£25

How to register

Please fill in the