Professor Allan Matthews is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Professor of Surface Engineering and Tribology. He is Director of the EPSRC NetworkPlus in Digitalised Surface Manufacturing and a leading pioneer in surface engineering, with extensive experience spanning industry, academia, and international research leadership. Professor Ben Beake Ben Beake is Director of Materials Research at Micro Materials Ltd, a manufacturer of precision nanomechanical test instrumentation. He is an active researcher developing novel nano-mechanical test methods and applying them to study mechanical and tribological properties of advanced coatings for challenging applications. He is a Visiting Professor at Manchester Metropolitan University and at the Universities of Leeds and Huddersfield and has published over 150 papers (8000+ citations on google scholar). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Mining and Minerals (FIMMM), and was the Chairman of the UK’s Institute of Physics Tribology Group. Dr Swati Singh Dr. Swati Singh is a researcher in the field of computational materials engineering and machine-learning-assisted alloy design, with a focus on Critical Raw Material (CRM)–free multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) and high-entropy alloys (HEAs). She completed her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Guwahati, where her research combined Python-based machine learning, materials informatics, and CALPHAD/Thermo-Calc modelling to design sustainable high-performance alloys. Her work integrates ML algorithms, optimisation techniques, and thermodynamic modelling to predict mechanical properties such as hardness and guide target alloy development without relying on scarce raw materials. Her work has been published in high-impact international journals, including Scientific Reports and Materials Today Advances. Joe Armstrong Joe Armstrong qualified in computer electrical engineering and has worked for many optical and leading surface metrology companies. He is now back working directly for Polytec GmbH. Joe has been working within this industry sector for over 30 years. Joe has gained much experience in the field of laser technology, optics and special subject knowledge in the field of metrology for both dynamic (vibrations) and static surface topography, surface measurements and surface measurement technologies are his main area of interest. Joe now has an international export support roll for Polytec Germany, directly establishing many active partnerships to help improve understanding and know how. Beth M Irungu Beth M. Irungu is a final-year Doctoral researcher at London South Bank University, specializing in thermal spray coatings and materials characterization. She has gained strong practical and analytical skills in evaluating surface properties, microstructure analysis, and performance testing of advanced materials. Beth demonstrates a keen ability to apply theoretical knowledge to experimental work, showing precision, problem-solving aptitude, and a proactive approach in research and lab projects. Her dedication to materials science and engineering makes her a promising emerging professional in the field. Dr. Andrew Milner After 15 years working in the Civil Service Andrew decided to change career at 32 and pursue a career in engineering. He graduated in 2022 with a Masters in Electrical Engineering from The University of Leeds. He joined Thermal Vision Research in 2023 where he now applies his knowledge and experience to help academics find the right thermal solution for their applications. Thermal Vision Research are the only supplier in the UK who can supply FLIR's entire range of science cameras. They provide free demonstrations and awareness sessions for academics and R&D teams around the UK.