The Oxford Advanced Materials Network (OxAMN) was launched to create a dynamic community aimed at shaping the future of advanced materials. This initiative focuses on interdisciplinary research and establishing a common language for efficient information exchange across academia, industry, and policy sectors.
Professor Nicole Grobert, leading the effort, emphasized the importance of an integrated approach that enables different sectors to understand each other's needs. She asserted, "Materials science underpins manufacturing across every sector – from healthcare and biomedical devices to energy infrastructure and construction." Advanced materials, possessing novel or enhanced properties, are crucial for addressing key societal challenges, including achieving net-zero emissions, sustainable packaging, and pollution control. For these innovations to be realized in real-world applications, collaboration and a common language among stakeholders are necessary.
The Oxford Advanced Materials Network involves experts from multiple departments within the University of Oxford, including Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Maths, Materials, and Physics. Professor Patrick Grant, Pro-vice Chancellor for Research, highlighted Oxford's leadership in both materials science and interdisciplinary innovation, stating, "The Oxford Advanced Materials Network will accelerate the development and faster uptake of urgently-needed advanced materials solutions whilst supporting academic excellence and training the next generation of materials researchers."
The network aims to foster an ecosystem for interdisciplinary innovation by integrating multiple disciplines and methods, such as experimental research, high-speed computing, modeling, and industry collaboration. Planned activities include establishing public-private partnerships and organizing seminars to accelerate the delivery and development of transformative material solutions.
Dr. Thanuja Galhena, Head of Advanced Materials at the Department of Business and Trade, UK Government, emphasized the network's role in facilitating discussions and collaborations, which are essential for delivering critical solutions to global challenges.
The launch event featured an international delegation, including representatives from the European Commission, The National Research Council Canada, the UK Government's Department of Business and Trade, and the Henry Royce Institute. Maria Cristina Russo, Director for Prosperity, Directorate-General Research & Innovation at the European Commission, commented on the event: "The Oxford Advanced Materials Network is a welcome initiative that builds a bridge between research, industrial needs and policy." She further expressed anticipation for the network's growth and the strengthening of EU-UK collaboration in advanced materials.
The Oxford Advanced Materials Network is open to researchers, industrial partners, and policymakers. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the Network Project Officer for participation.