Imperial Materials

29/05/2026

Congrats to undergraduate Vanessa Ussalim for being awarded the Rank Prize Undergraduate Vacation Grant for Optoelectronics 🎉

She’ll be doing an 8-week UROP under Professor Mark Oxborrow, working on optoelectronics research.

We spoke to Vanessa about applying for the grant, writing her personal statement, and what she’s most excited about this summer.

Read more on the blog: https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/materials/2026/05/21/undergraduate-spotlight-vanessa-ussalim-awarded-rank-prize-undergraduate-vacation-grant/

28/05/2026

Climb like a gecko, reflect like a beetle, and sense heat like a dog’s nose! Join Dr and some very lovely students from our department at the Wonderful Materials stand to show you how materials science comes to life! 

Family Fun Zone, Kensington Gardens | East Albert Lawn
Saturday 6 June & Sunday 7 June, 12:00–18:00 📍✨

09/07/2025

"Studying radiation damage is an exciting research area because each material behaves differently under radiation. It's a challenging yet fascinating puzzle."

👋 Tamas is a Reasearch Associate in the Department of Materials investigating advanced ceramic materials for nuclear fusion reactors ☢️

In this new blog post, he shares insights into studying materials science, the potential impact of his research, and hobbies he enjoys outside the lab.

Read the post: https://ow.ly/Zitp50WlMMV

08/07/2025

"There are fantastic strides in predicting new compositions of materials."

New materials promise breakthroughs in areas like energy, but only if they can be made and tested in the real world.

Professor Baptiste Gault’s research is helping to confirm whether materials behave as expected, by analysing their structure and composition in the lab ⚡🔬

07/07/2025

Meet Kinga 👋

Kinga took a year out from her undergraduate studies at Imperial to work at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.

In our new blog post, she shares what it was like stepping into a national research facility, what she learned along the way, and how it’s shaped how she’s approaching her final year.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/kV2M50WkUoQ

Kinga Molnar is an undergraduate student in the Department of Materials. Kinga decided to take a year away from her studies to complete a placement at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. In this new blog post, she shares more about her experience, what she has learned and how her experience will help her....

03/07/2025

🔬 How can we use computer simulations to solve problems in Materials Science?

Professor Aron Walsh is pushing the boundaries of materials science through advanced computer simulations.

His research could unlock new possibilities, from improving phone battery life to enhancing solar energy conversion. ☀️🔋

A major focus is on kesterites, a class of materials with huge potential for solar technologies and energy storage 💡

02/07/2025

"When I first started my UROP placement in the Department of Materials, I wasn't sure what to expect.

This experience has really changed how I see my future. Before the UROP placement, I thought of programming and materials science as separate interests, but now I see them as complementary tools for tackling humanity's biggest challenges." 🌍

Ry recently completed a placement in the group of Aron Walsh, gaining research experience in developing smarter, faster ways to discover new materials using AI and programming ✨

Learn more about his placement: https://ow.ly/abrs50WiZwT

01/07/2025

"I chose Materials because I liked the idea of being able to study something that had applications in so many different fields and requires knowledge and skills from multiple subjects.

At Ceres, I’ve worked in Energy Materials (R&D), Inks Manufacturing, Quality Engineering and I’m going into Commercial next."

Lola graduated in 2024 and is currently on the graduate scheme at Ceres, working as a Graduate Engineer.

The two-year programme has given her the chance to get involved in a range of projects focused on improving fuel cell design and gaining a deeper understanding of specific cell components 🔋

Find out more: https://ow.ly/zoTS50WaaAC

27/06/2025

🎉 That’s a wrap on the Summer term!

Huge congratulations to our final-year students! We are so proud of you and wish you all the best in whatever comes next. Don’t forget to stay in touch 👋

To all of our students, we hope you have a fantastic summer, whether you're gaining experience on placements or internships, or taking a well-earned break in the sunshine ☀️💙

27/06/2025

Congratulations to Dr Richard Chater, Dr James Douglas, Professor Dame Molly Stevens and Discover Materials on receiving awards from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) 🎉

🔹 Dr Richard Chater, The Henry Royce Institute Award for Innovation by a Technical Professional

🔹 Dr James Douglas, The Henry Royce Institute Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Technical Professional

🔹 Professor Dame Molly Stevens DBE FREng FRS, Chapman Medal

🔹 Discover Materials, Medal for Excellence for outstanding achievement by a group in materials, minerals or mining.

Find out more about the awards in our community: https://ow.ly/HMYK50Wgheo

The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) recognised Dr Richard Chater, Dr James Douglas, Professor Molly Stevens and Discover Materials.