Mark Miodownik
Transform materials science understanding with Mark Miodownik, speaker and materials scientist. Mark works with organisations to explore sustainable materials, plastic waste innovation, and engineering solutions, delivering award-winning insights as a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow and MBE recipient.
London, United Kingdom
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As UCL Professor of Materials & Society, he leads research that connects science and engineering with the arts, humanities, and medicine. He is the founder of the UCL Institute of Making and the director of the Plastic Waste Innovation Hub, where he investigates sustainable materials and strategies to reduce plastic pollution.
Mark’s fascination with materials began in an unexpected way—after being injured by a razor blade as a teenager, he became intrigued by how a small piece of steel could have such a profound impact. This curiosity led him to study metallurgy at Oxford, where he earned a PhD in turbine jet engine alloys. Since then, he has worked as a materials engineer in the USA, Ireland, and the UK, becoming a leading advocate for interdisciplinary research in materials science.
Beyond academia, Mark has made materials science accessible to the public through books, documentaries, and radio programmes. His bestselling book Stuff Matters won the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books and has been translated into over 20 languages. His subsequent works, including Liquid and It’s a Gas, continue to explore how everyday materials shape our lives. He has presented numerous BBC programmes on engineering, sustainability, and the science of materials, earning awards for his contributions to science communication.
His work has been widely recognised, including an MBE for services to materials science, engineering, and broadcasting. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and has received numerous honours for his research and public engagement.
Whether discussing biodegradable plastics, self-repairing materials, or the hidden science behind everyday objects, Mark’s insights reveal the extraordinary role of materials in our world.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Looking for a custom keynote or workshop designed around your company’s goals and culture? The expert will create a tailored, interactive session that aligns with your objectives, values, and strategic priorities. From leadership and innovation to wellbeing and collaboration, each experience is built from the ground up to deliver measurable impact and lasting change.
Featured Projects
It'S A Gas: The Sublime And Elusive Elements That Expand Our World
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