Out of Material

Today's guest on Out of Material is researcher, professor and academic Alessandro Mottura. Alessandro specialises in high-temperature metallurgy, with a research focus on single crystal nickel and cobalt superalloys, with work widely published in international journals. Alessandro also leads many of the undergraduate modules in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Birmingham, has been my personal tutor for the duration of my undergraduate degree, and is the admissions tutor for the department.  In 1899 Charles H. Duell, then director of the US Patent Office, stated "everything that can be invented has been invented." It is often presumed that the development of metallurgy has largely been completed - Alessandro explains how much we still have to learn. Exploring topics including interplanetary materials science, the power of accident in scientific progress, and the fine balance between perfection and defect introduction in materials processing, Alessandro provides an inspiring, thought-provoking message to the materials scientists of the future.  Are there materials in the unvierse we cannot yet comprehend or create here on Earth? How can materials analysis progress when operating beyond the scope of human senses? What does the urine of a small red-headed boy have to do with steel? 

Today's guest on Out of Material is a pioneering designer in healthcare and fitness, Philip Stankard. Philip is the Lead Industrial Designer at 3M following 6 years in a similar role at GE Healthcare, providing a wealth of experience and expertise in the experiences tied to products.    Philip explains the shift towards circular hospital waste streams, considers the relationship between architecture, product design and atmosphere in the often unfamiliar hospital environment, and delves deeper into the ways in which healthcare is changing as humans pursue increasingly preventative healthcare, and ultimately life extension. He discusses design at length, in particular the underappreciated merits of the digital age as a sketchbook and exposé for upcoming design trends.    How do hospitals manage the never-ending stream of bio-contaminated waste material? Are too many internet designers blindly pursuing a following by pleasing the algorithm before designing practical real-world solutions?

Today's guest on Out of Material is the earth-centred material innovator Paula Nerlich. Paula is co-founder of Circular Home Lab and the inventor of two materials generated from food waste: AquaFaba Foam and COCOA. Both have been featured in materials libraries worldwide. Paula explains the role of cultural stories in material perceptions, reveals the conflict between start-up growth mindset and meaningful value production but illustrates a hopeful future for self-sustaining at-home material production and exploration. Can a more intimate connection between consumers and products be fostered to reduce waste? How can designers navigate the diaspora of personality types when trying to appeal to the masses? www.paulanerlich.com Instagram: @paula_nerlich

Today's guest on Out of Material is a world-leading expert in materials research, Andrew Dent. Andrew is the Executive Vice President of Research at Material Connexion, a consultancy that matches clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies with innovative material solutions. TED have invited Andrew to speak on material strategies at multiple events, and he co-authored the Material Innovation book series. If you think you know the constraints of material selection, think again. Andrew explains the shift from new material discovery to incremental product development, reveals difficult truths about sustainability, but expresses a belief in innovation as the route out of humanity's downward spiral. Will people ever perceive plastic as a luxury material? How will the world adapt as industries transform in response to the climate crisis?