On Thursday 29th February, Queen Mary’s faculty of Science and Engineering held its second annual Night of Engineering in the Octagon.

The event brought together over 200 leading industry partners, researchers, academics, policymakers, and the public, for an evening of exploration, engagement, and celebration of Queen Mary's Faculty of Science and Engineering, displaying cutting-edge research addressing global challenges.

Interactive stands invited guests on an immersive journey through the forefront of science and engineering. From exploring the intricacies of quantum computing to witnessing the fight against antimicrobial resistance, the event offered a glimpse into Queen Mary's impactful research across diverse fields. Guests experienced first-hand how the university is addressing critical issues like sustainable energy solutions, innovative mobility, and advancements in healthcare and biodiversity.

SEMS’ Dr Maria Crespo-Ribadeneyra held one of these stands, demonstrating her research in making the manufacture of energy materials sustainable, whilst Professor Karin Hing showed her development of a synthetic bone graft - research which has been commemorated on a postage stamp. Other stands platformed the School's work on Organ-on-a-chip technology, Innovative Healthcare Robotics, and the Formula Student society.

Professor Colin Bailey, President and Principal of Queen Mary University of London, expressed his pride in the Faculty's achievements and the collaborative spirit of the event.

"The Night of Science and Engineering exemplifies Queen Mary's commitment to building, growing and strengthening our partnerships." Professor Bailey said. "We really value our partners across industry, academia, policy, the third sector and of course our local community: they truly enable us to turn our ambitious goals into reality and ensure our research excellence translates into global impact.”

In his welcome speech, Professor Wen Wang, Vice-Principal for Science and Engineering, highlighted the importance of partnerships in fostering innovation: "This event is truly dedicated to you, our valued partners," said Professor Wang. "Your collaboration, support, and engagement have been essential to turning our ambitions into reality."

The event also served as a platform to celebrate Queen Mary's recent achievements, such as the university's significant research funding, including a £1.23 million grant for an AI decision-making research hub.

Professor Karen Salt, Trusted Research and Innovation Portfolio Director within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), sent a pre-recorded keynote address, in which she highlighted collaboration and diversity as key drivers for scientific progress. She delivered a powerful message, stressing the importance of fostering "an environment where great ideas flourish, where people can be their authentic selves, respected, nurtured, and empowered to reach their full potential." Professor Salt, though unable to attend in person, expressed her confidence that the showcase would clearly demonstrate how Queen Mary embodies these very principles.

The event concluded with a networking reception, where guests had the opportunity to connect with researchers, industry leaders, and fellow guests. Professor Wang's closing remarks emphasised the faculty’s commitment to building a brighter future: "We believe that together, we can forge a future that is brighter, smarter, and more sustainable," he said. "Tonight's event has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase our research and engage with our partners in making this vision a reality."

For a snapshot of the diversity of research and ideas in the Faculty, watch the video below, featuring some SEMS researchers including Natalia Munoz Castro, whose research looks at breast cancer metastasis in bone; Dr Paul Balcombe, a leading researcher in methane and hydrogen emissions from supply chains; as well as reflections on working at Queen Mary from Postdoctoral Research Assistant, Dr Michael Thielke, and Head of School, Professor Hazel Screen, among others.