IMDEA Materials Institute to explore innovation for the future of defence technology

Experts from the fields of materials science and engineering are set to gather at IMDEA Materials Institute to discuss the innovative technologies and materials with the potential to transform the defence sector

The Materials for a Better Defence workshop will take place on December 5 and will cover a range of cutting-edge topics, from advanced battery technologies for lightweight vehicles and aircraft to the latest advancements in materials characterisation and steel performance under extreme conditions.

Researchers will also present breakthroughs in metamaterials and structural composites, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the performance and durability of defence systems.

It is being jointly organised by IMDEA Materials Institute and the Academy of Military Sciences and Arts (ACAMI). Register to reserve your place, here.

The event will be led by five of IMDEA Materials’ Principal Investigators: el Dr. Juan José Vilatela, el Dr. Johan Christensen, el Dr. Federico Sket, el Dr. Ilchat Sabirov y el Prof. Carlos González.

“By addressing challenges such as reducing weight without compromising strength, improving the resilience of materials under harsh conditions, and advancing diagnostic technologies, the workshop aims to equip military professionals and researchers with the tools needed to ensure the next generation of defence capabilities,” said Prof. José Manuel Torralba, IMDEA Materials Institute Director and ACAMI Corresponding Member.

Event Details

Date: December 5, 2024
Time: 9:15 – 14:00
Location: IMDEA Materials Institute, Tecnogetafe, Eric Kandel Street, 2, 28906 Getafe, Madrid

Agenda Highlights

  • 9:15 – Reception of Participants
  • 9:30 – “Lightweighting Vehicles and Aircraft with the New Generation of Batteries”
    Juan José Vilatela, Principal Investigator of the Multifunctional Nanocomposites Group, will discuss how cutting-edge battery technologies can reduce weight and enhance performance.
  • 10:00 – “Meta-military”
    Johan Christensen, Principal Investigator of the Acoustic and Mechanical Metamaterials Group, will present pioneering research on metamaterials with applications in defence.
  • 10:30 – “Characterisation of Materials by 2D, 3D, and 4D X-ray Imaging”
    Federico Sket, Principal Investigator of the Processing and In-situ Characterization of Materials Group, will explore how advanced imaging techniques can revolutionize material analysis.
  • 11:00 – Coffee Break
  • 11:30 – “Structural Composites for Lightweight Applications: Design, Manufacturing, and Performance”
    Carlos González, Principal Investigator of the Structural Composites Group, will delve into innovative approaches to create stronger, lighter composite materials.
  • 12:00 – “Innovative Approaches to Boost Steel Performance Under Extreme Conditions”
    Ilchat Sabirov, Principal Investigator of the Physical Simulation Group, will discuss cutting-edge developments in steel for high-stress environments.
  • 12:30 – Guided Tour of IMDEA Materials Facilities

The event will conclude at 14:00, following a tour of IMDEA Materials’ state-of-the-art facilities.

Why Attend?

This workshop provides a unique platform to explore the future of materials in defence applications, highlighting technological advancements that address key challenges in performance, weight reduction, and material resilience. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into breakthrough research and network with experts driving innovation in the field.

The event is hosted by the Academy of Military Sciences and Arts (ACAMI) and IMDEA Materials Institute, a leading research center dedicated to advancing materials science for a wide range of industries, including defence.

Register to reserve your place, here.