UK Metamaterials Early Careers Conference 2025

On 8–9 September, the UK metamaterials community came together for the inaugural UK Metamaterials Early Careers Conference 2025, held at the Henry Royce Institute and proudly sponsored by UpNano and PepsiCo.

This first-of-its-kind event was designed to unite early-career researchers from across academia and industry, with a clear mission: to promote and embed a culture of collaboration, and to develop a shared understanding of the challenges and barriers facing the field of metamaterials. The conference also aimed to upskill future leaders, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to drive innovation forward.

The two-day programme featured a dynamic mix of keynote talks, technical presentations, and professional development workshops. Attendees heard from senior academics, Future Leaders Fellows, and representatives from DSIT, EPSRC, and Leonardo UK, alongside expert-led sessions on:

• • Networking and business awareness (Developing Business Awareness Team)
  • Trusted research practices
  • Policy engagement (Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy)

Delegates also contributed their own technical talks, showcasing the depth and creativity of early-career research in the field.

The conference was co-organised by Naëmi Leo, Rola Saad, Helen Rance, and Letizia Chisari, whose leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping the event. Their efforts helped create a space where ideas could be exchanged freely, and where meaningful connections could be forged across disciplines and sectors.

The UK Metamaterials Early Careers Conference 2025 marks a significant step in strengthening the national metamaterials ecosystem. By fostering collaboration and supporting emerging talent, the event has laid the foundation for future breakthroughs and long-term impact. We look forward to the 2026 conference, to be organised by volunteers from the UK Metamaterials Network’s early careers community.