Join the Henry Royce Institute for a workshop exploring how UK materials organisations can engage with Europe’s advanced materials agenda, build partnerships and access support for European collaboration.
Building on our earlier UK–EU Materials Innovation Workshops, this event will move the discussion from identifying shared priorities around IAM-I, IAM4EU, FP10 and the wider 2028-2034 European Innovation Framework towards practical steps for participation.
The event agenda will present strategic updates, SME perspectives and facilitated discussion to explore where UK expertise can add value and what organisations need to do to take the next steps towards participation.
About the workshop
Speakers from UK Government, Innovate UK and the Henry Royce Institute will advise on developments relating to the European Advanced Materials Act and the Strategic Research and Innovation, and Deployment Agenda (SRIDA), alongside their alignment with the UK’s National Materials Innovation Strategy.
Participants will explore what these developments could mean for the UK materials community and discuss routes into European research and innovation activities. Updates will reflect the information available at the time of the event.
A particular focus will be on helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate support for Horizon participation and consortium-building. The programme will introduce sources of support, including National Contact Points, Innovate UK Business Connect and Innovate UK Business Growth, alongside practical perspectives on finding opportunities and partners.
Why attend?
The workshop will provide an opportunity to:
- Understand how European advanced materials priorities relate to UK capabilities and ambitions.
- Explore practical routes into European collaboration, including Horizon opportunities and consortia.
- Find out where SMEs can access support with participation and partnership development.
- Share the barriers, connections and support needs that matter to your organisation.
- Help identify priorities and practical next steps for the UK materials community.
Who should attend?
The workshop is aimed at representatives from industry, academia, research and innovation organisations with an interest in UK–European materials collaboration.
It will be particularly relevant to SMEs exploring European research and innovation opportunities, organisations seeking partners, and those supporting materials businesses to participate in collaborative programmes.
Event Programme
Please note: this is a draft agenda, and is subject to change.
| TIME | AGENDA ITEM | SESSION LEAD |
|---|---|---|
| 15.00–15.05 | Welcome, purpose and progress | David Knowles, CEO, Henry Royce Institute Ian Kinloch, CSO, Henry Royce Institute |
| 15.05–15.15 | Strategic context: SRIDA, NMIS and Europe | Suzanne Halden, Director, Scotchem |
| 15.15–15.25 | Update on EU Advanced Materials Act | Government Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (Speaker TBC) |
| 15.25–15.40 | UK priorities for European Collaboration | Open discussion |
| 15.40–15.50 | Helping SMEs Navigate the Support Landscape | Anshumaan Krishnan Ayyangar, Global Innovation Lead, Innovate UK |
| 15.50–16.05 | SME Experience: Horizon and Consortium-Building | Speakers TBC |
| 16.05–16.20 | Facilitated Discussion: Gaps, Connections and Action | Facilitator TBC |
| 16.20–16.25 | Conclusions and Next Steps | David Knowles, CEO, Henry Royce Institute Ian Kinloch, CSO, Henry Royce Institute |
| 16.25–16.30 | Closing Remarks | — |
December 7 2026
