The Department of Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.The Department has one of the most extensive and innovative imaging and characterisation facilities in the UK - something that our researchers are able to take advantage of in their work. Research in this area aims to develop a better understanding of advanced materials and their performance through advanced imaging and characterisation while developing the characterisation techniques further