This week I attended another event hosted by the Manchester Statistical Society, this time featuring a talk by Professor Coskun Kocabas from The University of Manchester. His talk focused on graphene and the development of intelligent materials.

 

Professor Kocabas explained how Graphene was first discovered in Manchester in 2004 and is essentially a single layer of graphite, but its unique structure allows electrons to move extremely efficiently. The talk explored research taking place at the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester, where multiple research teams and PhD students are working and exploring its potential applications, opening possibilities for new types of electronic and optical devices. 

 

Another part of the talk focused on the future potential of graphene. Professor Kocabas explained how its ability to control light and be used as an adaptive material could enable technologies such as multispectral optical devices, intelligent thermal materials and adaptive thermal camouflage. He also highlighted how phased arrays will be a key electronic component for next-generation communications beyond 5G.

 

Professor Kocabas also shared some interesting real-world examples of how this technology could be applied. For instance, BMW has experimented with colour-changing car surfaces that use E-ink pixels, allowing the car to shift between black and white. Similar ideas could even extend into fashion, with concepts such as colour-changing dresses that adapt their appearance using advanced materials. These examples helped illustrate how research that begins in the laboratory could eventually influence everyday products and industries.

 

As with the previous event, I also attended the dinner afterwards, which provided another great opportunity to speak with members of the Society. It was interesting to hear what others thought about the talk and to continue some of the discussions that had started during the presentation. Through members asking questions and hearing different perspectives, ithelped to bring the research happening in at the National Graphene Institute into a more real-world context. Conversations touched on potential challenges faced by the institute, as well as the possible future developments that could emerge from this work.

 

Continuing to attend these events broadens my understanding of research happening beyond my own field and is a great way to learn about topics I previously had little or no knowledge of. I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge further and continuing to learn from the wide range of perspectives shared at these talks and dinners.

-Isobel Webb