The UK & Ireland Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE UKIC) has officially launched the full programme for its Annual Seminar 2026, bringing together leading voices from across advanced materials and manufacturing.
Taking place at Sigmatex in Runcorn, this year’s seminar, titled “Advanced Materials & Manufacturing: From Microstructures to Megastructures,” will explore the latest innovations. The 2026 programme reflects the depth and breadth of the industry, covering everything from large-scale aerospace structures to next-generation materials characterisation.
The seminar opens with a keynote from Stephen McBurney (Short Brothers, a Boeing Company), setting the tone with insights into large-scale aerospace composite structures.
Across the day, attendees will gain access to a highly technical agenda, including:
- Advanced reinforcements and structural performance, exploring advanced reinforcements, failure mechanisms, and next-generation textile processing.
- Industrialisation of composite manufacturing, featuring high-rate production, digitalisation, and innovative tooling systems.
- Sustainable material solutions, including hydrogen distribution, ceramic matrix composites, and EV battery applications.
- Materials characterisation and quality assurance, exploring cutting-edge techniques such as XRD crystallinity mapping and automated inspection technologies.
The programme also features industry-led case studies and collaborative presentations involving Boeing and leading UK research organisations.
Tim Wybrow, Chairman of SAMPE UK & Ireland, commented: “This year’s programme reflects the pace and direction of innovation across advanced materials and manufacturing. From large-scale aerospace structures to next-generation characterisation techniques, the seminar brings together the expertise needed to address real industry challenges. It is an opportunity for engineers, researchers, and organisations to connect, share knowledge, and help shape the future of the sector.”
The SAMPE UKIC Annual Seminar continues to serve as a key meeting point for engineers, researchers, and industry leaders working at the forefront of advanced materials.
With dedicated networking opportunities, technical discussions, and exhibition space, the event is designed to foster collaboration across the full supply chain, from research and development through to industrial-scale production.
The 2026 seminar is proudly supported by headline sponsors Toray and Sigmatex, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing innovation in composite materials and manufacturing technologies.
SAMPE UKIC remains committed to accessibility and maintains competitive ticket pricing for members, non-members, and students.
To view the full programme and secure your place, visit www.sampe.org.uk.
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About SAMPE
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering is the leading global body for engineers and technologists involved in the processes of advanced materials. Comprised of four Regions in Europe, Japan, China, and North America, the Society is devoted to promoting technical developments and innovations in advanced materials engineering while accommodating over 6,000 professional engineers and scientists. Since its establishment in 1945, the Society has grown to more than 15,000 members through 40 individual Chapters worldwide.
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