Engineers and academics highlight the opportunity of metamaterials
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the UK Metamaterials Network (UKMMN) have published a new report, Unlocking the Potential of Metamaterials.
The full report, alongside a concise summary for policymakers, is available here.
IMechE and the UKMMN are calling on the government to maximise the social and economic benefits of metamaterials. Currently a pioneering field of research, it is set to quickly evolve into a significant global industry in the next decade. Conrad Burke, Managing Partner, MetaVC Partners, commented,
“As the largest venture capital investor in startup companies and founders building fast growing businesses built on metamaterials technologies, we continue to see enormous growth opportunities in multi-billion dollar markets in computing, communications, energy, imaging and sensing. The magic of metamaterials opens boundless paths of innovation for smaller, faster, more efficient ways in how we interact with the world and each other.”
A metamaterial is a 3D structure with a response or function resulting from its precisely designed structure and which is not possible to achieve conventionally with any individual constituent material. They offer more design freedom than conventional materials; as an enabling technology platform they offer generation-after-next functionality and performance; their properties can include minimising size and weight, and maximising energy efficiency.
The expert working group who led the project have identified revolutionary applications of metamaterials in the societal challenge areas of health, sustainability, space and aviation.
“Metamaterials have the potential to make step-changes in technological progress across many sectors. From sports equipment to solar panels, they are going to revolutionise many aspects of our lives. What is required now is to create an environment where metamaterials can make the leap from the lab to the market. The UK is well-place to capitalise on this opportunity.”
Matt Rooney, IMechE Head of Policy
“The report provides an accessible overview and introduction to the exciting topic of metamaterials. It describes the key types of metamaterials, and how they are being used to address societal challenges. A key recommendation that will allow metamaterials to reach their full potential, is continued investment in fundamental research that spans disciplines.”
Dr Tom Allen, Fellow of the IMechE and Reader in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University
“Metamaterials technologies have now reached a critical development stage where coordination of design and manufacturing is essential to realise their potential for a diverse range of application sectors.”
Dr Claire Dancer (University of Birmingham and co-lead of UK Metamaterials Network (UKMMN))
The report makes a number of recommendations directed at government, funding agencies, academia, industry, and standards organisations, with the following headline messages:
- Strengthen metamaterial research foundations
- Bridge metamaterial research to market
- Enable manufacturing and scale-up of metamaterials
- Develop skills and workforce for metamaterials
- Raise awareness of metamaterials and build standards
For further information contact:
policy@imeche.org, media@imeche.org
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