Theme for 2024/2025: Materials Science and Engineering

1.0 Introduction:

This year’s competition is designed to encourage creativity, innovative thinking, and appeal to young people interested in STEM and inspire them to consider pursuing their higher education in the field of Materials Science and Engineering. The key focus of the competition is sustainability, and how the materials and resources we use in our everyday lives can be made greener and more sustainable.

2.0 Why studying at The University of Sheffield?

The University of Sheffield has a global reputation for its exceptional teaching, impactful research, international outlook and outstanding student experience.

• Number one in the Russell Group (National Student Survey 2024 and 2023, based on aggregate responses).
• WhatUni University of the Year 2024 (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)
• Number one Students’ Union in the UK (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017).
• Number one for teaching quality, Students’ Union and clubs/societies (StudentCrowd 2023 University Awards).
• A top 20 university targeted by employers (The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers report).
• Six Nobel Prize winners (Professor Sir Fraser Stoddart, Sir Harry Kroto, FRS, Sir Richard Roberts, FRS, Lord Porter of Luddenham, OM, FRS, Sir Hans Krebs, FRS and Howard Florey, Baron Florey of Adelaide and Marston, FRS).

Why study Materials Science and Engineering at Sheffield?

Materials Science and Engineering is part of the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the Sheffield, and is one of the oldest materials science departments in the UK, with a history spanning back over 140 years. Our academic and research staff work a wide range of topics, including metallurgy, advanced ceramics, polymers, glasses and biomaterials, and this is reflected in the broad range of teaching at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

3.0 What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Everything in our daily lives relies on materials, whether that be the construction materials which make our homes, the materials that we use to move around, or the advanced electronic materials which make our computers and mobile phones work. Materials Science and Engineering encompasses everything, from designing and choosing the materials we use, how they are produced from raw materials and manufactured into products, and what happens to them at the end of their useful life. This requires us to do research at every scale, from understanding how the arrangements of atoms cause certain properties to arise, through both experiments and computer modelling, through to the way we manufacture materials on the multi-ton scale.

Sustainability in Materials Science and Engineering

Throughout all of the research and development we do as materials scientists and engineers, sustainability is something we must think about carefully. As global demands on energy and resources increases, designing ways to use our resources more efficiently, or creating new ways to recycle or repurpose used materials is increasingly important.

One key area of focus is on clean energy technologies. Materials scientists in Sheffield are creating more efficient solar cells, for example, by exploring alternatives to traditional silicon that are cheaper and more abundant. We’re also developing better battery storage solutions for renewable energy sources like solar and wind, by moving away from Li-ion batteries. New and exciting research into hydrogen storage materials is also going on, aiming to create a clean and efficient way to store and transport energy.

Sustainability also involves reducing our reliance on raw materials and minimising waste. Recycling plays a vital role, and advancements are being made to improve recycling efficiency and develop methods for recycling complex materials. Bio-based materials derived from renewable resources like plants are another promising avenue being explored in Sheffield. These materials can be used for everything from packaging to construction, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastics and concrete.

All of these areas help contribute to a more sustainable future, where the resources and energy on our planet are able to meet the needs of the population, without causing damage to the environment or climate.

4.0 Competition Task

We are looking for individual students or teams of students up to three members in each team to participate in this competition.

Imagine you are an engineer…. This project challenges you to design a new, innovative, and sustainable school building. The school design should prioritise environmental responsibility, promote a healthy learning environment, and foster a sense of community.

Sustainability Goals:

• Minimise environmental impact: What building materials might you choose, how might you promote energy efficiency and water conservation?

• Energy source: How will you power your school?

• Reduce waste: What waste will your school produce, and how could you reduce or recycle it?

• Healthy learning environment: think about how you might keep your school at the right temperature, and properly ventilated. Are there non-toxic materials you could choose to create a healthy space for students and staff?

• Connect with nature: Incorporate outdoor learning spaces, a green or living roof or wall, or courtyards to promote connection with nature and well-being.

Design Considerations:

There will be lots of things to consider when designing your new school. These could include:

• Materials selection: what materials will you use to build your school, and inside it once it is built?

• Energy conversion and storage: which materials will power your school?

• What environmental impacts do your chosen materials have?

• Waste and recycling: what materials will your school produce as waste, and how could these be managed?

• Sustainable choices: how might your school design help the students to make sustainable choices, such as transport to and from school?