Prof Arjunan is a professor of Additive Manufacturing and serves as the Director of the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research (CEIR) and the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS) at the University of Wolverhampton, which focuses on upskilling the West Midlands manufacturing sector. Prof Arjunan heads the Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials (AMFM) research group, dedicated to advancing laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Adopting a rigorous and evidence-based approach to his research, Prof Arjunan draws on methodologies similar to predictive modelling and multi-objective truth-seeking algorithms to evaluate and optimise LPBF processes, coming up with solutions to processing challenging materials that may otherwise be considered unfeasible.

His contribution to the field of additive manufacturing includes over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, three collaborative patent applications, over a decade of knowledge transfer activities, including his appointment to the ‘AMT/8 Additive Manufacturing’ BSI standards development committee, where he contributes to ISO standards for advancing UK industry practices.

Prof Arjunan has been ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists for four consecutive years (2021–2024), reflecting the global recognition of his influential research. He has also received the GKN Award (2011), the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research (2020), and the UK Engineering Innovation Award (2021), Emerald Literati Award (2022) and Research Impact Award (2024). In addition to serving as a reviewer for the British, Singapore and Indian Research Council, Prof Arjunan has participated in international advisory committees, funding review panels, and award committees. Beyond his research, Prof Arjunan also mentors early-career researchers and oversees interdisciplinary projects that address global challenges in sustainable manufacturing.

Dr Robinson has spent 15 years working as Additive Manufacturing (AM) technical manager and technical lead in both commercial and academic AM environments developing AM metallic materials and processes with a focus on highly reflective and thermally conductive materials such as platinum, gold, copper, and silver. Dr Robinson currently works as the University of Wolverhampton’s Additive Manufacturing Research Commercialisation Manager and Director of Additive Analytics Ltd jointly winning the 2022 Emerald Literati award.

Prior to this Dr Robinson worked as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)Development Manager at Cookson Gold leading a team of design, process, and application engineers in partnership with EOS GmbH, developing the EOS M080 and M100 systems and associated precious metal materials for the jewellery and watch industry. Dr Robinson has been involved with numerous AM industrial research collaborations and continues to drive materials and AM process development and IP and commercialisation. Dr Robinson is a member of the steering committee for a current Innovate UK project assessing the feasibility of recycling high purity copper for AM applications.

Mr Codner is a highly experienced Project Manager at the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS), with over 20 years of expertise in managing complex projects across engineering, technology, finance, and manufacturing. With a strategic mindset and meticulous attention to detail, he has a proven track record of delivering projects on schedule, within budget, and exceeding stakeholder expectations. A dynamic leader, Mr Codner excels in managing cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving high-performance outcomes. His strong communication skills enable him to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project objectives. With an analytical approach, he proactively identifies challenges and implements innovative solutions to mitigate risks.

Mr Codner has successfully managed a £11 million Local Growth Fund project focused on education, training, and upskilling, achieving a 20% improvement in operational efficiency. His expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams has contributed to the development of innovative industry solutions, generating significant interest from the manufacturing sector. He holds an OCR NVQ 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and multiple ISO certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 9001, BS2599), making him a competent ISO auditor. Additionally, he is a qualified NVQ Assessor (OCR D32/33) with expertise in guidance and customer service (NVQ Level 3). His extensive knowledge, leadership, and results-driven approach make him a key figure in advancing manufacturing skills development initiatives.

Dr Singh is a Knowledge Exchange Associate at the University of Wolverhampton, specialising in knowledge exchange and CPD course development to support industry and workforce upskilling. He leads the Career Progress Development (CPD) programme, delivering training in CAD, Ansys, and Additive Manufacturing, equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills. Through his role, he actively collaborates with SMEs and industry partners, providing technical expertise and consultancy to help businesses integrate advanced engineering technologies and drive innovation.

With a PhD in Engineering and a master’s in manufacturing engineering, Dr Singh has extensive expertise in additive manufacturing (AM), materials characterisation, and mechanical testing. His research focuses on laser powder bed fusion (LPBF ) technology and the development of advanced metamaterials, including AlSi10Mg auxetic lattice structures and CoCrMo meta-scaffolds, addressing key challenges in structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and energy absorption.

Dr Singh has contributed significantly to Innovate UK-funded projects, leveraging his expertise in manufacturing processes and materials testing to develop industry-driven solutions. His background as a mechanical design engineer has strengthened his leadership and project management skills, enabling him to drive multidisciplinary collaborations.

A prolific researcher and author, Dr Singh actively publishes in leading scientific journals, demonstrating a strong commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry. His work in knowledge exchange, CPD training, and applied research continues to advance next-generation materials and manufacturing processes, supporting industrial innovation and workforce development.

Dr Wanniarachchi is a Knowledge Exchange Associate at the Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS), University of Wolverhampton, with over eight years of experience in additive manufacturing, materials development, and mechanical design. He has extensive expertise in knowledge exchange, supporting SMEs through ECMS projects, and plays a key role in developing and delivering CPD courses in CAD, Ansys, and additive manufacturing. His work focuses on bridging the gap between academic research and industry, facilitating collaborations, and helping businesses integrate advanced manufacturing technologies.

Holding a PhD in Engineering Metamaterials, Dr Wanniarachchi specialises in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) and advanced material characterisation. His expertise extends to materials research, additive manufacturing applications, and mechanical testing, where he applies his knowledge to solve real-world engineering challenges.

Previously, as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate at the University of Wolverhampton, in collaboration with AceOn, he was instrumental in developing and testing thermal management solutions, comparing conventional and LPBF heat sinks with advanced heat dissipation techniques, including vapor chambers and thermoelectric Peltier modules. His contributions extend to Innovate UK-funded projects, where he has applied his expertise in mechanical design, materials testing, and engineering analysis to deliver industry-driven solutions.

With a strong background in mechanical design engineering, he has developed leadership and project management skills, enabling him to drive multidisciplinary projects to successful outcomes. Currently, he has applied for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, aiming to integrate thermoelectric materials with LPBF technology to develop next-generation temperature control systems.

Dr Appiah is a knowledge exchange Associate at the University of Wolverhampton. Dr Appiah holds a PhD in Engineering Metamaterials, a combined seven years of teaching experience across college and university settings, and deep expertise in additive manufacturing, nTopology, SolidWorks, Ansys simulation, production processes, foundry operations and ISO 9001 auditor. Dr Appiah has dedicated his career to empowering learners and industry professionals alike.

Dr Appiah’s journey began in the classroom, where he spent four years delivering full-time engineering courses to apprentices, nurturing raw talent into skilled professionals. Teaching in a college setting required adaptability, balancing foundational theory with hands-on application to ensure apprentices gained not only knowledge, but also the practical expertise to thrive in industry. Later, at the university level, Dr Appiah spent three years refining the skills of future engineers, guiding them through different courses, complex simulations, advanced manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge technologies that shape modern engineering.

As an expert in additive manufacturing, Dr Appiah has championed the integration of advanced design tools like nTopology to optimise lattice structures and lightweight components. Dr Appiah’s work in SolidWorks and Ansys simulation has allowed students and professionals to visualize, test, and refine their designs before fabrication, bridging the critical link between concept and reality. More than software proficiency, Dr Appiah’s expertise in foundry operations and production processes has led him to lead industry-focused training programs, ensuring that knowledge is not confined to academic settings but transferred effectively to real-world applications.

Dr Appiah believes beyond technical instruction; the essence of knowledge exchange lies in collaboration and mentorship. Whether working with students, apprentices, or industry partners, or delivering CPD courses, Dr Appiah’s mission has always been to ignite curiosity, foster problem-solving, and cultivate a mindset of continuous learning. Dr Appiah believes that Engineering is an evolving field, and empowering others with the skills, confidence, and insight to navigate these changes is his greatest achievement.

Mr Whorton is the National Foundry Training Centre Manager and Business Development Manager for the University of Wolverhampton and has worked in Manufacturing for over 30 years, starting his career initially as a patternmaker. Over the course of his working life, Mr Whorton has trained hundreds of learners and designed many CPD programs.

Now working for the University of Wolverhampton, Mr Whorton is responsible for the daily management of the National Foundry Training Centre based in Tipton – the UK’s only training centre dedicated to developing foundry skills and researching new cutting-edge processes, advances in metallurgies, and contributing to the lead of health and safety in the sector.

Mr Whorton’s role as a Business Development Manager takes him to all corners of the UK supporting manufacturing businesses through identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building relationships, analysing skills needs and driving growth for a company, often focusing on strategic planning and production. Finally, as part of his passion to sustain and encourage the industry, Mr Whorton sits on several advisory boards, education and training committees, and is the President of the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (Birmingham, Coventry and West Midlands branch).

Mr Lawal is a Technician in Additive Manufacturing at the University of Wolverhampton, specialising in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and advanced manufacturing technologies, with extensive experience in knowledge exchange and industry collaboration, particularly with SMEs. He holds a BEng in Biomechanical Applications from the University of Ilorin and an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wolverhampton. His expertise spans CFD applications in advanced engineering structures, hypersonic modelling, biomedical technologies, alternative energy generation through tidal forces, and Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) printing processes.

Mr Lawal has made significant contributions to materials science and engineering, including the “Development and Performance Evaluation of Lightweight Metal Alloys for Aerospace Applications,” enhancing material capabilities for high-performance industries. His work also investigates transpiration cooling on supersonic surfaces, addressing critical challenges in high-speed aerodynamics. With a strong technical background, he applies CFD methodologies to real-world industrial challenges, bridging theoretical modelling with practical engineering solutions.

His professional experience spans multiple industries, reflecting his versatility in high-pressure environments. He has worked in maritime and industrial certification, maritime project management and code development, quality engineering (control), and construction management. His role in knowledge exchange has been instrumental in supporting SMEs, translating research innovations into commercially viable solutions.

Ms Taylor is an experienced administrator with a strong background in project support, stakeholder engagement, and financial administration. Currently serving as a Project Administrator at the University of Wolverhampton’s Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS), Ms Taylor plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of training programmes and business support initiatives.

With over a decade of experience in administrative roles, Ms Taylor has developed expertise in financial processing, procurement, and data management. Her role involves maintaining accurate project records, overseeing financial transactions such as purchase orders and invoicing, and supporting compliance with funding audits. Additionally, she coordinates training events, manages stakeholder communications, and contributes to marketing efforts, including social media engagement.

Prior to joining ECMS, Ms Taylor worked as a Membership Administrator at the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers, where she managed member records, invoicing, and event administration. Her previous roles at Home-Start Dudley and the Express & Star further strengthened her skills in office management, customer service, and diary coordination.

A proactive and dedicated professional, Ms Taylor is highly organised, adaptable, and committed to delivering excellent customer service. She holds Business Administration qualifications and continually seeks opportunities for professional development to enhance operational efficiency within her role.

Project Administrator, University of Wolverhampton

Mr Iain Lyall, BEng (Hons), FHea

Iain’s career began in 1985 with a technical apprenticeship as a machine tool fitter, specializing in large scale Computer numerical controlled machine tools and FMS systems for aeronautical and automotive organizations worldwide.

After moving into applications engineering within the company Iain was approached in 1992 by a manufacturing company to oversee their transition from manual and auto-machine tools to CNC machining where Iain also gained valuable knowledge in quality control, product development, management and production planning and control as there works manager.

At this time, Iain also attended the University of Wolverhampton as a part time manufacturing student, graduating in 2000, publishing two conference papers in 2000 and 2002 relating to the use of artificial intelligence in advanced manufacturing systems.

In 2007 Iain once again re-joined the University of Wolverhampton as principle technician for innovative product development assisting local companies with manufacturability, product development and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Embarking on a more research centred direction in 2010, Iain, specializes in additive layer manufacturing and has been a key researcher in the optimisation of precious metals and metal matrix composite materials for ALM, design for ALM and the integration of ALM into manufacturing systems.

Iain has been the cornerstone of recent redevelopment activities within the universities engineering department, overseeing twelve million pounds of investment around manufacturing and specifically metal additive.

He is currently teaching in advanced manufacturing, both domestically and internationally with the aim to providing the best learning experience around the additive industry.

As both Lecturer in Engineering and Honorary Specialist in Medical Engineering at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, I lead the multidisciplinary Health Special Interest Group (SIG) within the CEIR research centre. Our team, comprising clinical practitioners, researchers and commercial partners, actively investigate novel materials and architectures, leveraging advancements in computational modelling approaches for healthcare applications.

I hold a BSc Hons in Product Design Technology from Staffordshire University and MSc in Advanced Technology Management from the University of Wolverhampton. I am currently pursuing a PhD considering the opportunities for Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique for the application of enhanced osteogenic load-bearing implants, with particular focus on Metamaterials.

I have broad experience across knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) and have successfully supported a plethora of SME’s developing innovative products through leveraging AM technologies to drive sustainable and societal impactful engineering solutions.

I joined the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton in May 2023 as a Lecturer in Materials Science. I completed PhD in Materials Engineering and Materials Design in 2021 from the University of Nottingham, UK and worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher plus teaching in the field of Materials Science and Engineering in Friedrich-Schiller University of Jena, Germany for more than one year.

I completed Undergraduate and Master’s degree in the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh with a First class degree. Furthermore, I have worked as a research assistant in several industrial projects at University of Nottingham focusing on manufacturing, optimising and extensively characterising different advanced materials for biomedical, drug delivery and water treatment applications. Moreover, I have worked as a Science and Engineering foundation course Tutor in The University of Nottingham International College (TUNIC) for a year.

My research is mainly focused on Materials development and characterisation, Biomedical glasses, Thermal spray, materials in Biomedical applications, additive manufacturing, porous materials and sustainable Engineering.

I hold a BSc in Materials Science from the University of Crete and an MSc and PhD from the University of Edinburgh in 2014. My research lies at the interface between mechanical engineering, materials and energy engineering. I have considerable experience working in multidisciplinary projects as part of my post-doctoral studies at the International Institute for Carbon Neutral Research at Kyushu University, Japan. There, I focused on understanding how material properties such as thermal conductivity and wetting influence phase-change and the associated heat transfer at all scales. I was also one of the first to exhibit laser-induced Marangoni recirculation patterns in evaporating water droplets; a hotly debated topic for over 20 years. In 2018, I was appointed Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of East Anglia where I established my lab in Multiscale Energy Transport Engineering focusing on phase-change heat transfer and wetting physics. At UEA, I also led a research programme on bio-inspired engineering which was supported by a range of industrial partners from power electronics, to telecoms, and electric powertrain manufacturers.

In 2023, I was appointed a Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton where I continue my bio-inspired engineering research combined with Additive Manufacturing for effective heating and cooling solutions for areas such as microelectronics, electric vehicles and refrigeration systems. AM provides the unique opportunity to design and build heat exchangers with complex geometries and post-treatments enables the control of properties such as mechanical strength and wetting. A key outcome in my research here is the use of topology optimised designs to create novel heat exchangers, e.g. the compact, lightweight and high-performing radiator that we are planning to test on our Praga racing car.