Imperial materials scientist receives TMS Young Innovator award 2026

Dr Nima Haghdadi from the Department of Materials has received TMS’s 2026 Young Innovator in the Materials Science of Additive Manufacturing Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to the field.

The annual Early Career Innovator in the Materials Science of Additive Manufacturing Award is presented by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) to a researcher under the age of 40 who has made an exceptional contribution to the materials science underpinning additive manufacturing technologies. Dr Nima Haghdadi, Associate Professor in Metallurgy, Department of Materials, will receive the award and deliver a keynote lecture at the 155th TMS Annual Meeting, which will take place in San Diego in March 2026.

Understanding metals in additive manufacturing

Dr Haghdadi's research focuses on understanding how metals behave during additive manufacturing processes. With the world evolving and a secure supply chain becoming increasingly important, metals additive manufacturing is expected to play a key role in supporting the UK economy and national security. The technology technology provides a range of advantages, enabling both innovative designs and the rapid fabrication of complex, high-performance components. However, the behaviour of materials under additive manufacturing conditions remains puzzling, as the rapid thermal cycles and layer-by-layer fabrication significantly influence microstructure and properties.

I am truly delighted and humbled to receive this award. I would like to sincerely thank my mentors, students, collaborators, and colleagues in the UK, Australia, the US, and around the world for their continued support and inspiration. Dr Nima Haghdadi Associate Professor in Metallurgy Department of Materials - Faculty of Engineering

To address these challenges, Dr Haghdadi's team at the Department of Materials is exploring how the rapid heating and cooling, along with the layer-by-layer fabrication, influence the microstructure and properties of metals, aiming to provide a deeper scientific understanding that could improve reliability and performance in industrial applications.

Reflecting on the award, Dr Haghdadi said: “I am truly delighted and humbled to receive this award. I would like to sincerely thank my mentors, students, collaborators, and colleagues in the UK, Australia, the US, and around the world for their continued support and inspiration.”

The TMS Young Innovator award highlights the Department of Materials’ growing strength in additive manufacturing research and its role in advancing the fundamental materials science needed to support next-generation manufacturing technologies.