Stuff Matters

21st-century materials science is now making possible a world where buildings harvest their own energy, bridges repair themselves, clothes increase life expectancy by monitoring health. But many alternative realities are possible, each driven by different cultural and economic forces. We could find ourselves dealing with seas full of plastic, declining life expectancy, and energy black-outs. Which future will we choose? In this lecture, Professor Mark Miodownik argues that only a deeper understanding of materials science will allow us to navigate the future successfully.

Professor Miodownik is a best-selling author, broadcaster, and innovative thinker who has been bringing new ideas in materials science to the general public for decades. His many awards and honors include the Communication Awards of the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.