IOM3 Investigates

In this episode of IOM3 Investigates, Christine Blackmore FIMMM, President of IOM3, is joined by Dr Ismail Aldean and Enya Collier from Lucideon to explore the remarkable range of applications for advanced ceramics and why these materials are increasingly important across nuclear, aerospace, defence, space and other sectors. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This episode reflects the knowledge, experience and opinions of the speakers at the time of recording.

In this episode of IOM3 Investigates... Kovida Mehra hosts Animesh Anand MIMMM and Sarah Glanville FIMMM as they discuss neurodiversity, disability and inclusion in engineering. Together, they explore the barriers that disabled and neurodiverse individuals can face in education and the workplace, and the practical steps that organisations can take to create more inclusive environments. The conversation examines the role of workplace accessibility, inclusive design, representation and supportive workplace cultures, highlighting how adjustments intended to support disabled colleagues often benefit everyone. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ This episode reflects the knowledge, experience and opinions of the speakers at the time of recording.

In this episode of IOM3 Investigates... David Arthur FIMMM, Head of Technical Community Support at IOM3, is joined by Chris Botting CEng FIMMM, Chief Engineer – Materials and Manufacturing at Marshall Aerospace, to explore the impact of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations on UK industry. Drawing on his experience in aerospace materials engineering, Chris explains the origins and objectives of REACH, how the regulations are applied in practice, and the challenges organisations face when balancing environmental and health considerations with technical performance requirements. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode in the WIM3 series, Dr Fiona C J Robinson FIMMM speaks with Dr Colleen Mann CEng FIMMM, Senior Consultant at Amentum and Vice President of IOM3, about her career journey and the experiences that have shaped it. From her early education to studying chemistry at Queen’s University Belfast and completing a PhD in nuclear materials science, Colleen reflects on a non‑linear path built on persistence, adaptability and a strong research mindset. The conversation explores her transition from academia into the nuclear sector, her work leading complex research programmes, and the skills required to thrive across different environments. Alongside her technical work, Colleen speaks candidly about communication, confidence, mentoring and leadership, highlighting the importance of supporting others and creating inclusive professional environments as she looks towards a more strategic leadership role in the future. Bio: Dr Colleen Mann is a Chartered Engineer and Senior Consultant at Amentum, where she leads a specialist team delivering research and technical programmes across the nuclear sector. Her work focuses on the long-term performance and durability of nuclear materials, supporting the safe management and disposal of radioactive waste. She is the technical lead for an experimental programme for a key client, where she has coordinated complex, multi-disciplinary research involving international partners and contributed to the development of long-term R&D strategies that support UK policy and decision-making. Colleen began her career in academia, completing a PhD and postdoctoral research at the University of Sheffield, where she specialised in nuclear materials and wasteform durability. During this time, she also managed analytical laboratory facilities and developed strong foundations in both research and teaching. She has since built on this technical expertise in industry, leading experimental programmes, shaping research roadmaps, and supporting projects ranging from spent fuel management to nuclear new build and waste package disposability. Alongside her technical role, Colleen is Vice President of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and is actively involved in supporting the next generation of engineers and scientists through her work with the Sheffield Metallurgical and Engineering Association. She is enthusiastic about leadership, communication, and creating inclusive environments where individuals can develop and thrive and is particularly interested in solving real-world problems by working in multi-disciplinary teams resulting in real-world impact across industry. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode of IOM3 Investigates, we explore the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative that is bringing together sustainability, design, culture and community to reshape the built environment. Tia Byer (Journal Relationship Manager, IOM3), hosts a conversation with Professor Andreja Kutnar (University of Primorska, Slovenia), a leading researcher in sustainable materials and contributor to the NEB Academy, alongside Associate Professor Dennis Jones (Luleå University of Technology, Sweden), Editor-in-Chief of the International Wood Products Journal. Together, they explore what the New European Bauhaus is, how it builds on the original Bauhaus movement, and why it matters now. The discussion touches on material choices and construction methods, long-term use, reuse, and social impact. Central to this is a shift towards more inclusive, human‑centred approaches, where communities are actively involved in shaping the spaces they inhabit, and where sustainability extends beyond reducing harm to creating positive environmental and social outcomes. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, Head of Design Lara Collins speaks with Dr Joan Heggie, historian, researcher and curator of the 2025 exhibition Viva Talbot: Steelmaking, to explore the life, craft and legacy of a woman who captured the steel industry with exceptional technical precision. The discussion traces Talbot’s unconventional route into wood engraving, her family ties to ironmaster Benjamin Talbot, and how she gained access to blast furnaces, quarries and mines at a time when industrial spaces were overwhelmingly male.. Joan explains how Talbot documented every stage of steelmaking - from mining raw materials to rolling finished plate - and why the 15 engravings in the IOM3 collections remain such rare examples of industrial woodcut work. The conversation also looks at the wider arc of Talbot’s life: her early sketchbooks and diaries, her collaborations and influences, her extensive travels, and her transition from artist to Lady Nussey of Rushwood Hall. Joan reflects on the challenges of conserving fragile prints, the gaps that still remain in Talbot’s biography, and her ongoing project to compile a comprehensive catalogue raisonné. For enquiries about the Viva Talbot: Steelmaking exhibition or Dr Heggie's work please email: [email protected] Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Chartership plays a central role in upholding professional standards, but what does it mean in practice today - and what stops people from pursuing it? In this discussion, our Director of Membership & Professional Standards Paul Skerry (CEng FICE FCInstCES FIMMM) talks to Sarah West (Head of Engagement & Policy, Science Council), Phil Underwood (CMktr, Engagement Manager, Society for the Environment), and Lucy Byrne (Professional Standards Manager, Engineering Council). They explore the real barriers individuals face on the path to professional registration, from misconceptions about qualifications and career routes to a lack of confidence, inconsistent support, and the complexities of working across multiple organisations. The conversation also looks at how mentors can better support candidates, how institutions can open clearer pathways for those without traditional academic backgrounds, and where messaging should focus: personal benefits, professional values, or public responsibility. Against the backdrop of public failures such as Horizon and Grenfell, the speakers reflect on the relevance of codes of conduct, whistleblowing, HRB requirements and the growing emphasis on accountability. They also consider how chartership aligns with modern industrial strategy, why employers benefit from registered professionals, and how to broaden participation so that chartership is truly accessible to all. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Recorded as a webinar in September 2025 Artificial Intelligence is widely promoted as transformative, but how much of this promise holds true for geotechnical engineering? In this webinar recording, Dr Angus Maxwell and Dr Rich Laver from Maxwell GeoSystems Ltd explore where AI is already delivering practical benefits in ground engineering, where expectations may be overstated, and how reliable current applications really are. What is meant by AI in an engineering context? Where could or should it be applied? Drawing on information from across the geotechnical community, the speakers discuss how perceptions of AI vary between owners, consultants and contractors, and where different groups see genuine value. Angus and Rich also share insights from their current research, including the use of large language models to improve interaction with complex engineering systems, and machine learning approaches that draw on decades of geotechnical data to improve forecasting, decision‑making and ground risk management. Speakers Dr Angus Maxwell Founder and CEO, Maxwell GeoSystems Ltd Dr Rich Laver Senior Technical Manager and AI Team Lead, Maxwell GeoSystems Ltd Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Ed Conway HonFIMMM, Economics Editor at Sky News and author of Material World, delivered his keynote presentation recorded live at M3P3 in November 2025. His book explores the six raw materials - sand, salt, iron, copper, oil, and lithium - that underpin modern life, from the concrete in our cities to the batteries powering the green transition. Ed takes us on a journey behind the scenes of global supply chains, revealing how these materials shape geopolitics, technology, and sustainability. He shares stories from his travels to mines, deserts, and processing plants, and explains why our digital world is still deeply physical. Connect with Ed: LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ed-conway-466b172a Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Recorded live in July 2024 In this special panel episode, Christine Blackmore (BSc MSc CEnv CSci FIMMM) and Colin Church (FIMMM CEnv) are joined by four leading voices in the mining sector to explore the critical challenges and opportunities shaping the industry over the next ten years. With a live audience, the panel brings together diverse perspectives from across the sector: The Mining Major Perspective Duncan Wanblad CEng FIMMM Group Chief Executive, Anglo American The Diversity & Inclusion Perspective Barbara Dischinger Director, International Women in Mining The Sustainability Perspective Rohitesh Dhawan President & CEO, ICMM The Investment Perspective Tanya Chikanza Senior Adviser, TB Cardew The episode includes a Q&A session with the audience. Please note: audience questions were not captured on the recording. To provide context, the questions have been transcribed and included below. 00:51 Is it just the UK that is struggling with mining and education, or is it everywhere? 00:54 I learned my skills during the first 10 years of my work at Rio Tinto. People aren’t learning in a course of learning very little and most of what you learn is on the job. Is this a potential solution to some of the companies that cut staff and really if they want the next generation of experienced people you need to fill the capability early on? 00:57 Exeter University have just announced the re-opening of the Camborne School of Mines Undergraduate Mining Degree, but they only have two applicants. In the 80s, every major mining company offered scholarships. How can we get more young people into mining? 00:58 I had personal conversations with people that have been on the precipice of leaving the industry. Sometimes you hear on LinkedIn various people or women talking about why they have gone out of the industry because they felt disrespected, but some people stick it for various reasons. I am curious if you have any data or if there are any stories as to how we can better share how people make those decisions at that point where they feel they have to either give up and get out, or they are going to make a got at it. 1:00 You talk about food security being important, so how come you’re slowing down the investment in Woodsmith? 1:01 I worked for the Coal Authority so we manage the legacies of mining in the UK. 30 years after we have been established, we got a new big problem. Lots of saline water bubbling up down the spine of the country, yet, when we come to mine closure, we monitor for 5 years and we take the bond away. How can we really be seen as credible and trustworthy when we’re not stepping up to our responsibilities long term for the legacies of mining? 1:04 You mention the word ‘technology’ in your review about the importance of it. We (IOM3 Mining Technology Group) are trying to push this in 2025 with a conference. Which technologies in particular do you think will be at the forefront and who’s going to pay for it? 1:09 Here we have a human resource issue with people and ability to do things. What happens if you could potentiate that by 10 or 100-fold with things like AI. Is that something not just the mining industry, but all other industries around the globe, that could be utilised to make people more productive and therefore happier? 1:12 Does the Doom Loop have an end date? Given the improvements with finance, people, mining companies, technology, re the supply rather hopefully maintain not increase. Is there a particular year you are all worried about? 1:15 Where materials are going to come from to make a phone or batteries for cars. Some entrepreneurs such as Elon Musk, have already approached mining companies to provide him with the minerals and perhaps if they decide to start their own company, many people would like to work for a company such as Apple. Music Pamgaea by Kevin MacLeod Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4193-pamgaea License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/