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Industrial Symposium

This event has now taken place.
We extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees for contributing to its success!
Date: 21 May 2026

Venue: Imperial College London, The Council Room, 170 Queen's Gate, London

The CAMIE Industrial Symposium is a one‑day event focussed on hearing directly from people working in industry, or closely with industry, about what those careers really look like. Bringing together researchers, early‑career scientists, and industry professionals across materials science and related fields, the symposium offers an open space to discuss career pathways, collaboration, and impact beyond academia.

Speakers will share their personal experiences across academia, industry, and entrepreneurship - including first‑hand experience of working in industry, collaborating with industrial partners, and founding or growing research‑driven companies - offering practical insight into how research ideas move from the lab into real‑world applications and industrial impact.

The symposium is designed to encourage open discussion and questions, particularly from researchers who are exploring different career paths or seeking to learn from others’ experiences.

As part of the CAMIE project, the symposium aims to strengthen links between academia and industry, and help researchers reflect on, explore, and better understand career pathways beyond academia.

Programme

10:30 – 10:45  Arrival and refreshments
10:45 – 10:50  Welcome, Bryan Hickey, CAMIE coordinator, University of Leeds
10:50 – 11:35  Andrew Bell, University of Leeds
11:35 – 12:20  John Naylor, Kurt J. Lesker Company
12:20 – 13:30  Lunch
13:30 – 14:15  Jan Neuman, NenoVision
14:15 – 15:00  Spiros Kournopoulos, MatNex
15:00 – 15:30  Break
15:30 – 16:15  Tuğçe Ayvalı, Global Impact Ventures

Please note: the programme is subject to minor updates.

Invited speakers

We are delighted to welcome the following confirmed speakers:

  • Tuğçe Ayvalı – Global Impact Ventures
  • Andrew Bell – University of Leeds
  • Spiros Kournopoulos – MatNex
  • John Naylor – Kurt J. Lesker Company
  • Jan Neuman – NenoVision

Why attend?

  • Gain first‑hand insight into careers in industry, startups, and roles that bridge academia and industry
  • Learn how materials research leads to industrial collaboration, spin‑outs, and commercial impact
  • Ask questions and engage in discussion in an environment designed for early‑career researchers
  • Build connections with industry professionals and academics beyond a standard conference setting

Register

Register here to help us with catering and logistical planning.

We look forward to welcoming you to Imperial College London for a stimulating day of discussion, networking, and knowledge exchange.