Global experts in advanced materials experts to host major conference in birthplace of Graphene

18th May 2023

As the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Greater Manchester remains at the heart of the UK’s largest manufacturing and advanced engineering cluster. The city’s pioneering industrial legacy has given it a reputation as an innovation and academic powerhouse which continues to this day, making it a first-choice destination for specialist conferences and events across key disciplines. 

Manchester is home to an advanced materials cluster with research strengths in technical textiles, surfaces and coatings, composites and light alloys. The region supports innovation and expertise in creating the materials of the future and is home to world-leading research assets that include the UK’s Centre for advanced materials, The Henry Royce Institute and Europe’s largest school of materials at the University of Manchester. 

These institutions along with The National Graphene Institute, are forming an innovation ecosystem across the region, where leading scientists, manufacturers, engineers and innovators can collaborate. 

For all who don’t know, Manchester is the birthplace of Graphene, following its isolation at the University of Manchester in 2004. Graphene is used to enhance existing products like concrete to make it stronger and longer lasting, which means less is needed so construction becomes cheaper and better for the environment. Using their expertise in advanced materials two scientists from the University of Manchester discovered how to extract graphene, which is just one atom thick, from graphene and won the Nobel Prize for Physics for doing so. 

Graphene has been hailed as a new wonder material, graphene has limitless potential. It can enhance products from rubber trainer souls to mobile phones to make them last longer, but also ensure they can be recycled and are more environmentally friendly. Graphene can enhance health innovation, agriculture and even water filtration. 
 

Graphene 2023 

Now,  Manchester is preparing to host the 13th edition of the Graphene Conference series. This is the largest European Event in Graphene and 2D materials and the main in-person meeting point for the worldwide Graphene community. It’s an event where connections and innovations could potentially change the world. 

Hosted over 4 days between Tuesday 27 and Friday 30 June at the University of Manchester, Graphene2023 will host 23 exhibitors and 93 speakers from across the globe. Exhibitors include some of the biggest international names in advanced materials and manufacturing.  

The conference will feature workshop sessions, panels, speakers and a two-day industrial forum focusing on the latest developments in graphene production methods and commercialisation, future investment opportunities, and updates on the application of graphene in energy storage, aerospace and more. 

There will also be a 2D materials study day hosted by Graphene Flagship and the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester. This Study Day for postdoctoral and postgraduate researchers aims to provide training in the most advanced techniques and approaches enabling the use of AI for materials production, characterization, simulations, and fabrication of complex devices. The training programme will include lectures, informal discussions and networking. 

So far over 452 participants are registered to attend the conference with delegates attending from China, Germany, Singapore, South Korea, France, Israel, Denmark, Italy and more. 
 

The home of academic experts 

Of course, it’s right that all of these delegates and advanced materials professionals should descend on the home of Graphene for their annual meet.  Hosting the conference at the University of Manchester means that delegates and speakers have the opportunity to collaborate and engage with highly-skilled academics, world-renowned researchers and leading industry professionals. The conference will benefit from having some of the most advanced research facilities steps away from the action.  

The Manchester Convention Bureau can help event organisers connect with experts from across the region’s leading universities and more. Manchester’s Conference Ambassador Programme inspires and supports individuals to host prestigious national and international conferences by asking recognised experts in their field, who are passionate about Manchester to act as a local representative for our city.   

The Convention Bureau team can introduce the event planners to Manchester’s experts in our community to explore opportunities for hosting events, contact them to find out more. 

To learn more about the region’s sector specialisms and academic expertise click here.