Materials

Enabling the sustainable, equitable and innovative manufacture, use and remanufacture of materials to secure our shared future.

The Materials theme is catalysing a transformation in how we understand, design and deploy the materials that underpin modern life and support sustainability. We are working to build a sustainable materials economy that not only powers innovation but also respects planetary boundaries and secures a shared future. This requires thinking holistically – tracing the journey of materials from discovery and resource extraction through production and use, to repair, recovery and remanufacture – and embedding circularity, resilience and longevity at every stage. 

Bringing together world-leading research across advanced materials, materials 4.0, additive manufacturing, biotechnology, clean energy and digital innovation, we will generate solutions that respond to the urgent crises of climate change and environmental degradation. This vision of materials innovation goes beyond technical discovery to confront the social, ethical and economic challenges of resource use and production. It spans the full spectrum of sustainable materials and materials for sustainability – from the extraction and manufacture of critical resources to the discovery of new materials that will enable a sustainable energy transition. By ensuring that principles of just transition and circularity underpin this work, and by engaging with communities, industries and policymakers, we will help shape material practices and systems that are fairer, more resilient and aligned with the needs of a sustainable future. The Materials theme will help to raise the profile of Manchester’s extensive expertise in sustainable materials and play a significant role in adding value to the broad landscape of materials research at the University of Manchester. 

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Case Studies