AWE postgraduate conference brings together future materials science leaders
More than 90 AWE-sponsored postgraduate students and academics from over 20 universities came together at the University of Warwick for AWE’s annual postgraduate student conference, focused on materials science and engineering.
The two-day event, hosted by AWE’s External Technical Partnerships Office (ETPO), welcomed supervisors, subject matter experts and senior leaders from across the organisation. It provided a platform for students to present their research, share progress on their technical projects and connect with the wider AWE postgraduate community.
Showcasing research and innovation
The conference highlighted the breadth and depth of research being undertaken across AWE’s postgraduate portfolio. Topics addressed some of the most complex challenges in materials science and engineering, including understanding how materials behave over extended lifetimes and advancing modern analytical and computational approaches.
Student projects covered a wide range of areas, such as:
- Novel mixing and vibration techniques
- Materials behaviour under thermal and mechanical stress
- Advanced radiochemical and actinide analysis
- Accelerated testing methods to improve safety, efficiency and data quality
Many of these innovations have applications beyond the defence sector, with potential benefits for industries including pharmaceuticals, construction and advanced manufacturing.
This year’s conference featured a record number of oral presentations and posters, reflecting both the continued growth of the programme and the high calibre of research being delivered. A panel of AWE judges reviewed the submissions, noting the challenge of selecting award winners given the exceptional standard across all entries.
Inspiring future scientists
The event included a keynote address from Rob Lock, AWE’s Chief Scientist, who shared insights into his career journey and the motivations behind his work in science and engineering.
He emphasised the importance of strong connections between science, engineering and the wider business, as well as the responsibility scientists have, to act with integrity, empathy and a clear understanding of how their work impacts society.
Rob Lock also presented awards to Jack Grogan for the best poster and Ben Sargeant for best presentation, recognising outstanding contributions from students. The winners received a cash prize and commemorative medal, joining a distinguished group of alumni supported by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers.
Reflecting on the importance of postgraduate research, he said:
“Postgraduate research is fundamental to delivering AWE’s mission, both today and into the future. The challenges we face cannot be solved by AWE alone, which is why strong academic partnerships and a connected postgraduate community are a critical part of our Technical Strategy, bringing together science, engineering and the wider business to turn excellent research into long-term capability.”
Building community and partnerships
The conference also featured an after-dinner speech from John O’Malley, AWE Science Authority, Nuclear Threat Reduction, who shared insights from his career and encouraged students to embrace curiosity, perspective and new opportunities.
Bringing together students, academics and AWE colleagues in one place, the event reinforced the value of a connected postgraduate community. It also highlighted AWE’s ongoing commitment to long-term academic partnerships and developing the scientific capability needed for the future.
