Manchester Met leading research on using metamaterials to solve health issues

Researchers from Manchester Met will be exploring the huge potential of metamaterials in solving health issues as part of a new dedicated network of experts and projects. 

Metamaterials NetworkPlus will help develop the UK’s capabilities in creating novel and innovative metamaterials to tackle a range of challenges backed by £2.54 million of funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  

Metamaterials are artificial 3D structures comprised of at least two different materials, such as metals and plastics. This combination and the structure mean metamaterials have strengths and uses beyond those of the individual materials used to make it.  

They have the potential to transform the UK’s economy in a digital age and can help to achieve sustainability, advance health care and communications, provide defence and security capabilities, enhance computation techniques, and benefit the space and aviation industries. 

In sport, metamaterials have already helped the development of equipment such as tennis racquets and running shoes, with major brands monitoring the development for use in their products. 

And academics from Manchester Met are part of the Network, with Dr Tom Allen leading research into the application of metamaterials to solve major health issues. 

Dr Allen, Reader in Mechanical Engineering at Manchester Met, said: “Our research will support the upscaling of these technologies within the healthy living sector, which includes developing sustainable equipment for sport and physical activity, as well as technologies such as diagnostic sensors and prosthetics that are used across the UK’s health services.” 

The Metamaterials NetworkPlus, which will be formally launched at the Metamaterials UK Conference and Forum in May 2024. brings together experts from academia, industry, and governmental agencies to advance the knowledge and use of metamaterials. 

The UK Metamaterials NetworkPlus will aim to:  

• bring together the current and next generation of academic, start-up and industry leaders in the UK, and open the field beyond its traditional boundaries; 
   
• provide a reliable nexus for information, experts and cutting-edge science and technology; 
   

• support pilot and explorative projects to initiate research areas which are new to the UK or strategically important;

• support the development of close links between government, academics and industry, providing a strong advocacy for metamaterials activities; 

• work to create a strong regulatory framework and shape international norms and standards; 

• showcase metamaterials potential, growing its potential in the UK. 

NetworkPlus will be co-led by Professor Alastair Hibbins from University of Exeter and Dr Claire Dancer from University of Warwick, alongside a team of co-project leads from across the UK.  

Professor Hibbins said, ‘The scope of metamaterials is huge; metamaterials as a concept provides the opportunities to control information and energy through careful structuring of conventional materials. 

“For the last few years, Dr Claire Dancer from the WMG at The University of Warwick and I have co-led the Network, and we’ve been working incredibly hard to forge a new UK ecosystem for metamaterials where we work together to support each other, and drive work into areas that require multidisciplinary approaches to solve global challenges.’ 

Dr Dancer said: “We’re incredibly excited by this additional funding from EPSRC. Not only are we now able to continue supporting our community, but we are now going to be able to offer pump-prime funding for a number of priority projects that are strategically important to us.”