Commercialising metamaterials impact project pathfinder
We are working with the community to develop insights on the barriers and opportunities around commercialising metamaterials for applications such as sustainability, health, defence and security. Join our discussion to share your views.
Metamaterials are 3D structures that provide structure-derived functionality and performance spanning multiple domains and length scales. From health and sustainability to space and aviation and beyond, metamaterials have transformational potential across many applications including:
- high-resolution imaging for medical diagnosis
- low-carbon alternatives and solutions to mitigate climate change
- lightweight and strong materials for space and aerospace applications and satellite communication
However, to accelerate the commercialisation of metamaterials and unlock its potential for societal and economic impact, the successful translation of the discovery science into applications is critical.
About the impact project pathfinder
IOP is shaping the debate on the most important physics topics to the science and innovation community in the UK and Ireland, in order to influence and drive impact. As part of developing our ongoing programme of high-impact projects informed by community priorities, we are working with the UK Metamaterials Network to build the case for action to accelerate the commercialisation of materials through this impact project pathfinder.
During the impact project pathfinder, we are:
- Building evidence around the opportunities, barriers and challenges in commercialising and exploiting metamaterials.
- Sparking in-depth discussion with the community around metamaterials and the strategies that could help their commercialisation through the ‘Metamaterials in the Real World’ Industry Showcase.
- Communicating the unique opportunities and potential offered by metamaterials.
How can I get involved?
As part of this project, we are asking the community to join our discussion. You can get involved by:
- Listening to Physics World Weekly podcast, where Professor Alastair Hibbins and Dr Claire Dancer, joint leads of the UK Metamaterials Network, discuss ‘What is a metamaterial?’, the barriers and opportunities around the exploitation of metamaterial science, and the role of the UK Metamaterials Network in supporting the translation of discovery science.
- Reading a round-up of the third ‘Metamaterials in the Real World’ Annual Industry Showcase, hosted by the IOP, which took place in December 2024.
- Reading the Physics World feature “Metamaterials hit the market: how the UK Metamaterials Network is turning research into reality”.
There will be further opportunities to get involved in 2025. Please email [email protected] to register your interest.
Useful links
- Professor Sir John Pendry FRS Hon.FInstP won the IOP’s 2013 Isaac Newton Medal and Lecture winner for his seminal contributions to surface science, disordered systems and photonics. Watch the 2013 Newton Lecture.
- Metasonixx won the IOP’s 2024 Business Start-Up Award for the development of mass-produced acoustic metamaterial panels that allow airflow, enabling improvements to noise management and ventilation, and facilitating net-zero industrial ventilators and heat pumps. Read more about Metasonixx.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about the impact project pathfinder, please email [email protected].