The conference registration desk will open from 9am, so that attendees can collect their badge. Refreshments (tea, coffee and pastries) will be available during this time until the conference begins at 10am.
The first day will include thought-provoking plenary talks, leading into areas coming from the National Materials Innovation Strategy and the Industrial Strategy. This will include underpinning challenges in materials innovation - Sustainability/Life Cycle Assessment, Materials 4.0 and Scale-Up. We’ll also focus on insights from major Royce translational programmes such as the Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), Centre for Expertise in Advanced Materials (CEAMS) and the Defence Materials Centre of Excellence (DMEx). We’ll also hear from Prof. Julia Sutcliffe, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department for Business and Trade and Dr David Cole, Director of Energy Strategy, Sizewell C.
The exhibition will be open at the following times on Day 1:
- During Registration: 09.00 -10.00
- During the morning break: 11.30-12.20
- During the lunch break: 13.00-14.30
Start the evening with a welcome at our drinks reception, which will begin at 6:30 pm in the stylish Christies where you can mingle with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
After the reception, we will move to the adjoining elegant Whitworth Hall for a memorable dinner.
On day two we’ll start the morning with an introduction from Prof Ian Kinloch, Royce’s Chief Scientific Officer, followed by Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Royce Chair Designate, and keynote speaker Carl Naylor, Program Director, Intel Labs.
The rest of the day will be split out into a programme of wide-ranging scientific breakouts featuring expert speakers, and framed around the science related to the Royce-led Research Areas and its translation in context of National Material Innovation Strategy’s core themes.
The exhibition will be open at the following times on Day 2:
- During Arrival: 09.00 -10.00
- During the lunch break: 12.50 – 14.10
The rest of the day will be split out into a programme of wide-ranging scientific breakouts featuring expert speakers, and framed around the science related to the Royce-led Research Areas and its translation in the context of the National Material Innovation Strategy’s core themes.
Delegates can freely move between these areas, but we do ask that you select a primary breakout whether for the full day or by selecting your preferred morning and afternoon sessions, to support logistical arrangements.
Session times and outlines are below:
o Full session: 11.20am – 4pm
o Morning session: 11.20am – 1pm
o Afternoon session: 2pm – 4pm
The efficient and sustainable generation, storage, transmission, and use of energy is one of society’s most urgent challenges in the transition to a low-carbon, net-zero future. Innovations in materials discovery and development are key to unlocking the full potential of energy technologies, including batteries, hydrogen, nuclear, and beyond. This session will delve into cutting-edge research in materials science that is shaping the future of energy, with a focus on accelerating our journey toward a sustainable, carbon-neutral world. From enhancing energy efficiency to enabling clean energy solutions, the breakthroughs discussed here have the transformative potential to help us achieve net-zero emissions and a resilient energy ecosystem.
As global populations age, the demand for healthcare services continues to rise. An increasing number of people are living longer, often managing multiple long-term health conditions. This demographic shift presents new challenges for healthcare systems, which must address the growing scale and complexity of these needs. In this session, we will explore how advancements in materials science can help tackle these challenges. We’ll focus on biocompatible materials engineered to safely interact with the human body, as well as innovations in bioelectronics for healthcare applications.
Engineering structures form the backbone of diverse sectors, including transportation, aerospace, the built environment, and energy. Their performance depends on the mechanical properties of the materials used, such as strength, durability, thermal efficiency, and density. This session brings together leading experts to explore cutting-edge advancements in materials science, supporting engineers to construct buildings and infrastructure that are not only more resilient but also meet the demands of modern sustainability and performance standards.
Surface engineering and coating applications play a crucial role in enhancing the performance, functionality, and longevity of materials. By improving resistance to mechanical wear, corrosion, and environmental degradation, these innovations ensure materials can withstand harsh conditions. In this session, industry experts will present the latest advancements in surface engineering and coatings, offering in-depth insights into the characterisation and analysis of coating protection mechanisms. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how these technologies can prevent failure and optimise material performance across a wide range of applications.
The rapid growth of information and communication technologies (ICT), driven by advancements in wireless technologies now accounts for nearly 10% of global energy consumption. As the demand for greater computing power intensifies, reducing energy consumption has become a critical priority. In this session, experts will explore the latest breakthroughs, from cutting-edge quantum materials to metamaterials and other innovative solutions, aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and connectivity in the ICT sector.
2025 Royce Conference - Next Gen Electronics Programme
Consumer products today are made from a diverse range of cost-effective, energy-efficient materials, with plastics being the most widely used. Plastics have become integral to countless consumer products and industrial applications, but their environmental impact remains a growing concern. This session will delve into innovations in sustainable packaging and plastics and highlight advancements in specialty polymers such as eco-friendly elastomers. It will also explore how improved end-of-life processing techniques are unlocking new market opportunities and driving growth.