A Selective Hybrid Symposium for Emerging Engineering Researchers

Athens, Greece | 2–4 September 2026 | Hybrid (In-Person & Online)

Applications are invited for the IMechE Young Researchers Symposium 2026, held as an official satellite event of the MSSM 2026 Conference (Materials Science & Smart Materials), taking place in Athens between 2–4 September 2026.

This annual symposium is an important part of IMechE’s commitment to supporting early-career researchers. It offers a focused, high-quality platform for presenting research, gaining expert feedback, and building international professional networks.

Why Participate

The symposium is designed to provide meaningful benefits for emerging researchers:

Stimulating New Knowledge

Exposure to diverse perspectives encourages fresh insights, curiosity, and new research directions.

Knowledge Exchange

Participants discuss current research, trends, and challenges in materials, smart structures, and advanced engineering.

Networking

A curated cohort (~30 participants) enables deeper connections with peers, academics, and industry.

Presentation Skills

Presenting in a supportive, interactive environment helps refine communication and technical clarity.

Reflection & Growth

Comparing approaches and methodologies fosters self-improvement and professional development.

Themes & Research Areas

We welcome specialist papers aligned with the scientific scope of MSSM 2026, which may include but not limited to:

Submissions should demonstrate novelty, technical quality, clarity, and relevance.

About the 2026 Symposium

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) will host a high-engagement, small-cohort symposium for early-career researchers in mechanical engineering, materials science, and related disciplines on the 4th September 2026.

The event will be delivered in a hybrid format, with approximately 30 participants (combined in-person and online) to ensure depth of engagement and high presentation quality.

This model supports IMechE’s strategic priorities in:

How to Apply

Please submit a 200–250 word abstract via email to:

📧 mssm@mssmconference.com

Email subject: IMechE Young Researchers Symposium

Submission deadline: 30 July 2026

Accepted entrants will be invited to prepare a 10-minute presentation followed by 5 minutes of questions. Both in-person and online presentations are welcome.

All accepted abstracts will be included in the MSSM 2026 Symposium Proceedings.

Programme Format

The half-day symposium includes:

All sessions are designed to maximise discussion, feedback, and collaboration.

Awards

Outstanding contributions will be recognised through:

Winners receive IMechE certificates, an Amazon Voucher and recognition within the MSSM community.

Who Should Participate

The symposium welcomes:

Participation is available in person or online.

Symposium Chair

Professor Martin Robinson CEng FIMechE ACGI
IMechE Young Researchers Symposium Chair
martin.robinson@member.imeche.org

Martin has led international engineering programmes across multiple sectors and is committed to supporting the next generation of researchers through high-quality, interactive events.

Contact

For enquiries about submissions or participation:

📧 mssm@mssmconference.com

Last Year’s Winners

Eva Knight, Imperial College, London-First PlaceUnderstanding the structural integrity of plant leaves to protect our environment
Valentina Olabi, Brunel University-First PlaceStrategic design of a hydrogen supply chain in the GCC region: dynamic multi-objective, multi-period optimisation in Saudi Arabia
Patrick Verdin, Cranfield University-Second PlaceNovel J-shape Vertical Axis Wind Turbine