Huge potential of metamaterials put in the spotlight
A featured article based on an interview with Professor Alastair Hibbins (University of Exeter) and Dr Claire Dancer (University of Birmingham) has been published in Physics World.
Research is becoming reality as metamaterials transition from theoretical research to practical applications. Metamaterials – 3D structures with a response or function due to collective effects of their building blocks (or meta-atoms) that is not possible to achieve conventionally with any individual constituent material – are unlocking immense potential across industries.
Metamaterials offer groundbreaking technological potential, with a plethora of uses across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, acoustics, and space science.
The featured article is an interview with Professor Alastair Hibbins (University of Exeter) and Dr Claire Dancer (University of Birmingham), joint leads of the UK Metamaterials Network. The Network Leads provide a brief history of metamaterials from the work of Professor Sir John Pendry and Professor David Smith and elaborate on the network’s role in fostering research and facilitating the commercialization of these innovative materials.
The article, featured in Physics World, is an output of the collaborative Impact Pathfinder Project run between the UK Metamaterials Network and the Institute of Physics, which has now resulted in a White Paper, Commercialising metamaterials, published by the Institute of Physics.
The report sets out the major opportunities and barriers in commercialising metamaterials based on community insights and analysis of the UK metamaterials landscape. Drawing on community insights the UKMMN have initiated discussions with the UK government and metamaterials stakeholders to shape an ambitious, long-term vision ensuring that the UK capitalises on its world-leading research.
With a thriving research community and a growing number of businesses applying metamaterials to solve industrial challenges, the UK is well-positioned to lead in this field. The UK stands at a critical juncture in transforming scientific advancements into commercial success.
Professor Hibbins said: ‘“Our “Metamaterials in the Real World Showcase” at the IOP really highlighted the huge interest building from industry and government. That event has driven so many new conversations. With some help from funders, I believe the UK can fully exploit the pioneering university research that we’ve delivered, become a world-leader in commercialisation of metamaterials over the next few years.”
