SEP Hub Launch Event

SEP Hub Launch Event

Date & Time: 10:00- 16:45, Tuesday 21st October 2025

Location: Scarman | Warwick Conferences, Scarman Road, Coventry, CV4 7SH

How to find us? What 3 Words: ///dips.occupy.pump

Parking: Complimentary parking is available on site; a parking code will be provided to registered in-person attendees in advance of the event.

Refreshments: Lunch provided and light refreshments throughout the day.

About the Launch Event

We are delighted to invite you to the official launch of the EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub in Sustainable Engineering Plastics (SEP)- a £13.6 million, 7-year programme led by the University of Warwick in collaboration with the University of Manchester and University College London, aimed at transforming the future of plastics manufacturing.

As a valued industrial partner, your involvement is key to shaping the future direction of the SEP Hub. This launch event will introduce the Hub’s aims and scope- encompassing nearly 70 postdoctoral research years across five core research challenges- and will include breakout sessions designed to define our research challenges and explore opportunities for your participation in shaping our four two-year Core Projects

We hope you (or one of your colleagues) will join us for this launch event and help shape the future of sustainable engineering plastics manufacturing.

Day Programme

10:00 – 10:30- Arrival, Registration, and Coffee

At Scarman

10:30 – 11:00- Welcome and Introduction

Ton Peijs – Introducing the SEP Manufacturing Hub

11:00 – 12:00- Breakout Session I – Why Are Engineering Plastics Such a Sustainability Challenge?

Delegates are invited to bring an object (physical, drawing, or technical representation) to frame their company’s or personal challenges in engineering plastic sustainability. Objects could be items, components, or materials. At each table, participants will introduce themselves and their objects to spark conversations on sustainable material and manufacturing challenges. Each table will then feedback their insights to the group.

12:00 – 13:00- Lunch

13:00 – 13:45- Keynote: “Sustainable” “Plastics”

Mike Shaver – Reframing the Challenge and Introducing the SEP Research Challenges

13:45 – 14:15- Launch Projects

Mark Miodownik – Introducing and Discussing the SEP Launch Projects

14:15 – 14:30- Coffee Break

14:30 – 15:15- Breakout Session II – Launch Projects

Tables for each Launch Project, framing the work to be done and exploring stakeholder involvement.

15:15 – 16:30- Breakout Session III – Research Challenges

Tables for each Research Challenge, addressing broader questions beyond the launch projects. What needs doing and how can it be done collaboratively?

16:30 – 16:45- Closing

16.45 – 17.15- Optional – Tour of WMG’s Centre for Polymers and Composites Facilities

Photographs may be taken during the event by the host for the purpose of promoting SEP Hub on social media. If you prefer not to be included in any photos, please let us know.