Unlocking the potential of metamaterials

A collaborative report between IMechE and the UK Metamaterials Network.

To download and read a concise summary for policymakers, click here. 

A metamaterial is an assembly of carefully arranged and patterned elements (‘meta-atoms’) that offers a response or function beyond that of its constituent materials. They offer more design freedom than conventional materials; as an enabling technology platform they offer generation-after-next functionality and performance, including, for example, minimising size and weight, and maximising energy efficiency.

In collaboration, the IMechE and the UK Metamaterials Network (UKMMN) have produced a report to elevate the profile of metamaterials and identify opportunities to maximise the social and economic benefits of this pioneering field of research. It covers different types of metamaterials, how best to design and manufacture them, and the thematic application areas of:

• Health
• Sustainability
• Space and aviation

The report makes a number of recommendations directed at government, funding agencies, academia, industry, and standards organisations, with the following headline messages:

• Strengthen metamaterial research foundations
• Bridge metamaterial research to market
• Enable manufacturing and scale-up of metamaterials
• Develop skills and workforce for metamaterials
• Raise awareness of metamaterials and build standards

For further information contact:

policy@imeche.org

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