From Atoms to Function: Celebrating Our Past and Future in Thin-Film Research

As part of the Royal School of Mines 175th anniversary celebrations, we brought together alumni, students and researchers on October 14th to celebrate our history in thin-film research and discuss where the field is heading next.

From electronics and magnetism to optoelectronics and quantum technologies, ‘Atoms to Function’ showcased the breadth of research happening across the Department. 

As Royce Academic Champion for Functional Thin Films, it was great to see the diversity of thin-film research happening across our Department. Dr Shelly Conroy Associate Professor, Department of Materials

The event's keynote speaker was Professor Judith Driscoll from the University of Cambridge, a former Materials undergraduate and academic at the Royal School of Mines (RSM). Judith shared photographs and memories from her time at Imperial before discussing her research into functional thin films for future electronic applications.

The programme also featured talks from Dr Freya Johnson, Dr Yaqi Li, Dr Emma Bryan and PhD students Rahil Haria and Chukwudike Ukeje, bringing together alumni and current researchers at different stages of their careers.

Reflecting on the event, Dr Shelly Conroy, Royce Academic Champion for Functional Thin Films, said:

“As Royce Academic Champion for Functional Thin Films, it was great to see the diversity of thin-film research happening across our Department. I particularly enjoyed the discussions and debates about where the field is heading, the challenges we still need to tackle and the opportunities for future technologies.”

The event also included a round-table discussion on representation and inclusion in STEM, bringing together MSc and undergraduate students alongside Year 12 pupils. Discussions explored why the representation of underrepresented groups declines at more senior stages of academic careers, the barriers contributing to this and how the sector could better support inclusion. Contributions from students offered different perspectives on the challenges and the changes needed to address them.

The event brought together alumni, staff and students to celebrate the Department's research heritage, share current developments in functional thin films and discuss the future of the field.