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Materials science lies at the interface between physical sciences and engineering. Materials scientists combine or modify materials such as metal, glass or plastic to be used for different products. You could find yourself dealing in a specific specialism such as alloys for use in transport, materials for use in building and structures or materials for use in commercial industry such as sports equipment or clothing.

A useful overview of the role of a Materials Engineer or Scientist and other useful links can be found here, with further info from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM³) _here.

The industries mentioned elsewhere in this section also offer opportunities for physicists and materials scientists.  There are also other industries, such as glass, ceramics, steel and aerospace, especially in South Yorkshire.  There are also a number of collaborations between university and industry.  Examples are the Materials and Engineering Research Institute at Sheffield Hallam, and The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, a collaboration between Boeing and the University of Sheffield.  Because Materials Science lies at the junction between Science and engineering, collaboration is key to the successful application of the theory into innovative practical use.  The Ceramics and Composite Laboratory at the University of Sheffield specialises in developing new materials or new applications for existing materials.

Materials Science courses are offered by the Universities of Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield.  The University of Leeds also hosts the Institute of Materials Research.  Graduates in these subjects have also found employment in a range of smaller specialist engineering, electronics, plastics, and textiles firms throughout the region.

Useful links:

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM³)

The leading international professional body for the advancement of materials, minerals and mining to governments, industry, academia, the public and the professions.  Membership includes a subscription to one of their magazines including Materials World, and access to their Materials Information Service.

Society of Glass Technology

Based in Sheffield, The Society of Glass Technology exists to serve those people who are interested in any aspect of glass through dissemination of information.

Ceramics and Composites Laboratory, University of Sheffield

Specialising in developing new materials and applications of materials, one example of their work is research into making cutlery from ceramics.

Intute Database

Search this comprehensive science and technology database using ‘materials' for worldwide links to related information.

Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI)

Based at Sheffield Hallam, MERI is organised into 4 primary research centres plus its consultancy unit. (MARS CIC).  The four research centres cover: Modelling Research Centre, Electronic Materials and Devices, Advanced Composites and Coatings, Structural Materials and Integrity.  The activities of each research centre are carried out within focused research groups. 

Materials Analysis and Research Services (MARS)

MARS is one of 14 Centres for Industrial Collaboration (CIC) based at Yorkshire universities. They provide analysis and consultancy services to companies with materials related needs. 

Centres of Industrial Collaboration

A Yorkshire Forward initiative to increase collaboration between industry and the region's Higher Education Institutions.  Their useful links page is also worth a look.

Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC)

The first tenant of the AMP, the AMRC is a multi-million pound collaborative partnership that combining the scientific excellence of the University of Sheffield's faculty of engineering, with the expertise and technological innovation of companies involved throughout the aerospace supply chain.

Institute of Materials Research (IMR)

Based at the University of Leeds, the IMR provides training to ensure the skills of the industry are kept relevant.  Research focuses on carbon, electroceramics, novel alloys and steels, photonic materials and textile structures. 

University of Bradford, School of Engineering, Design and Technology

Offers a postgraduate qualification for Materials Engineering.

University of Leeds, The School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering

Offers Materials Science and Engineering courses.

University of Sheffield, Department of Engineering Materials

Offers Materials Science and Engineering courses.