Mark Miodownik - Speaker

Mark Miodownik is a materials scientist, engineer, and broadcaster, best known for his work exploring the role of materials in shaping society. 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.