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About this talk

Modern society is hugely reliant on new materials. The demands of both individuals and industry require stronger, more reliable, more efficient and more sustainable materials. Materials scientists and engineers solve the real-world problems that allow theoretical advances to become reality, whether that's faster computers, safer cars, or better energy. In this brand new 6 part short course, materials scientist Chiara Gattinoni will explore the past, present and future of materials discovery. State-of-the-art computers require state-of-the-art components, and it's through materials discovery that we are able to continue innovating. This course will uncover how the search for new semiconductors, superconductors and ferroelectrics is powering the ongoing tech revolution. It will also delve into examples from the worlds of the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, green energy and more. Find out about a range of materials, including nanomaterials, plastics, composites, man-made crystals and green hydrogen. You'll cover all of this, and more: How has materials science shaped our interaction with the world, and what do we mean by "novel materials"? How do scientists and engineers design new materials? How are materials such as quantum dots and other nanoparticles shaping the future of physics, computing and more? How can we speed up the discovery of new molecules through traditional algorithms and AI? How do we add "functionality" to materials, including ferroelectrics, magnetic materials, topological insulators and more? How do we find the superconductors of tomorrow which will revolutionise the world? Please note that the course will run for six 90-minute sessions on: Monday 8 June Monday 15 June Monday 22 June Monday 29 June Monday 6 July Monday 13 July The course is for committed non-experts. No prior knowledge is required. It is for interest only, with no qualification, examination, or certificate of attendance. The course is aimed at adults and young people over the age of 16. You must be aged 16 or above on the date of the first session to attend.

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