Royce Evening Talks: Computational Material Science

OVERVIEW

The Henry Royce Institute will host Evening Talks: Computational Material Science, an event which will cover talks from three leading materials scientists, exploring the latest developments in computational materials science and its applications across metallurgy, modelling and materials research.

The event will feature two speakers from The University of Manchester, Dr Joseph Prentice and Professor João Quinta da Fonseca, alongside a third speaker to be confirmed. The speakers will provide an insight into their research and the role of computational approaches in advancing our understanding of materials.

This is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in science and innovation to discover some of the latest research, developments and findings in computational materials science.  The event is designed to be accessible to a broad audience and attendees do not need to have a background in materials science.

Following the talks, attendees will be invited to continue the conversation over pizza and refreshments, with an opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the speakers.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. Tickets are available here.

SPEAKERS’ BACKGROUNDS

Dr Joseph Prentice 

Joe is Lecturer in Materials Modelling in the Department of Materials at the University of Manchester, joining in January 2025. Prior to this, he spent 5 years at the University of Oxford as the Cooksey Early Career Teaching and Research Fellow in Materials Science and Stipendiary Lecturer at St Edmund Hall, and as a postdoc in the group of Prof Rebecca Nicholls. From 2017-2019, he was a postdoc at Imperial College London, jointly affiliated with the groups of Prof Arash Mostofi and Prof Peter Haynes, and with the Departments of Materials and Physics.  

Joe obtained his PhD in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Cambridge in 2017, supervised by Prof Richard Needs. His thesis, entitled ‘Investigating anharmonic effects in condensed matter systems‘, won the 2018 Institute of Physics Theory of Condensed Matter Group “Sam Edwards” Thesis Prize. Prior to this, he obtained his MPhys in Physics from the University of Oxford (University College) in 2014.  

Prof João Quinta Da Fonseca 

Professor João Quinta da Fonseca completed his PhD on the mechanical behaviour of high volume fraction MMCs at the University of Leeds, before moving to the University of Manchester, where he is currently Professor of Mechanical Metallurgy. 

He is a member of the Metallurgy and Corrosion Research Group and a member of the Centre for Light Alloy Research and Innovation (CLARI). Much of this research work is funded by industrial collaborators from the aerospace, energy and automotive sectors. Current industrial collaborators include Novelis, Constelium, Rolls-Royce, Wood and Airbus. 

At the University of Manchester, Prof. Fonseca is EDIA lead for the department of Materials. Prof. Fonseca is also a research area lead for Modelling and AI at the Henry Royce Institute and a member of the International scientific committee of ICOTOM, the international texture of materials conference. 

AUDIENCE 

This event is open to all ages and backgrounds. No prior knowledge in material science is required to attend. Children (below the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult. 

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME

15:45-16:00 – Arrival and Registration 

16:00-16:05 – Welcome and Overview 

16:05-16:25 – Dr Joseph Prentice 

16:25-16:45 – Prof João Quinta Da Fonseca 

16:45-17:25 – TBC 

17:25-18:00 – Pizza and Refreshments 

ORGANISERS 

• Chair, TBC

• Tom Hancocks, Host, Training & Skills Manager, Henry Royce Institute 

• Dr Ruby Morel, Organiser, National Outreach Officer, Henry Royce Institute

EVENT LOCATION

Royce Hub Building
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL 

On arrival, please check in with the team at the Royce Reception desk.

ROYCE SUPPORT

This is a free evening talk series run by the Henry Royce Institute. Travel and accommodation are not provided. Please contact outreach@royce.ac.uk if you have accessibility requirements or caring responsibilities that Royce might be able to assist with.