Exploring the Role of Academic Manufacturing Research in Delivering New Medical Technologies

The Fluids in Advanced Manufacturing research group at Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge identifies and explores underpinning scientific challenges in a range of real-world scenarios and manufacturing techniques. Research crosses multiple scales including molecular dynamics, surface science, formulation, stability, micro-scale patterning, and production processes. This presentation will firstly describe the positioning of our academic research within a translation framework, to try and unlock and accelerate innovation, bridging the fundamental breakthroughs with industrial translation. Then, through research results from ongoing work on drug delivery for cancer therapy, we will show how medical technology development benefits from manufacturing research. We will look then at how manufacturing research tackles larger themes, such as how to shift towards medical technology circularity, reducing waste and improving resilience. These different aspects of manufacturing research are being brought together in Cambridge in a new Institute for Biomedical Innovation and here we will describe the approach of considering the broader value chain when supporting end-to-end innovation.

Ronan Daly is Professor of Advanced Manufacturing in the Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge. He leads the Fluids in Advanced Manufacturing research group, which tackles fundamental research into fluids, interfaces, biomaterials, nanomaterials and chemical systems to support the creation of future device technologies and the advanced manufacturing techniques that make them. This means the team links Technology Push and Pull, thinking about the influence of manufacturing on fundamental research questions, and pioneering the science of scale-up for healthcare and additive manufacturing applications. Ronan is also co-director of the Institute for Biomedical Innovation, University of Cambridge, supporting the translation of new medical technologies towards manufacturing.

Mathematical Modelling of Machining Processes and CNC Machine Tools for Digital Twin Assisted Process Planning and Monitoring

The presentation will provide an overview of the fundamental research conducted in our laboratory and its industrial applications as digital machining technology. The aim of our research is to develop mathematical models of metal cutting operations, machine tool vibrations, and control systems. These science-based digital models enable the virtual design of machine tools, as well as the simulation, optimization, and online monitoring of machining operations. The models predict cutting forces, torque, and power consumption during machining by considering material properties, cutter geometry, structural flexibility, and cutting conditions along the tool path. The dynamics of servo drive control systems and trajectory generation of machine tools are also considered. An in-house-developed virtual and real-time CNC system enables the design and analysis of any five-axis machine tool controller. The virtual machining system simulates the process and adjusts the feed rate along the tool path within a CAM environment. The system is also used for online monitoring and control of machine tools and machining processes by communicating with the CNC in real time as a digital twin.

Professor Altintas is the coordinator Mechatronics Engineering and the director of Manufacturing Automation Laboratory at the University of British Columbia. He conducts research on metal cutting, machine tool vibrations, control, sensors and actuators for machine tools, and virtual machining. He has published 235 archival journal with over ~47,000 citations with an h index of 112, and a textbook: He is a Fellow of National Academy, Royal Society of Canada, CIRP, ASME, SME, ACATECH and Chief Editor of CIRP Journal and past president of CIRP. His research laboratory created advanced machining process simulation (CUTPRO), virtual part machining process simulation (MACHPRO) and a Virtual CNC, which are used by over 350 companies and research centers in the field of machining and machine tools worldwide.

Sustainability and Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a transformative production approach with strong potential to support sustainability across the product lifecycle. Its layer-by-layer fabrication enables material efficiency, design flexibility, and decentralised production, helping reduce waste, energy use, and supply-chain complexity. This paper examines AM’s role in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, focusing on material utilisation, lightweight design, energy performance, and circular economy strategies. Key enablers such as AM design, material recyclability, and on- demand production are discussed, alongside challenges including high energy intensity, feedstock sourcing, and end-of-life issues. Drawing on recent research and industrial applications, the paper identifies best practices and remaining gaps. The findings show that AM is not inherently sustainable; however, when combined with sustainable design principles and lifecycle assessment, it can significantly improve manufacturing sustainability. The paper concludes with future research directions and policy considerations to support responsible adoption of AM.

Professor Konstantinos (Kostas) Salonitis is a Full Professor of Advanced Manufacturing and Director of the Research Ireland Centre on Advanced Manufacturing (I-Form) at University College Dublin since April 2026. He previously served as Head of the Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre and Professor of Manufacturing Systems at Cranfield University (2019–2026), joining Cranfield in 2012 after over a decade at the University of Patras, Greece. His research focuses on sustainable and resource-efficient manufacturing, process modelling and simulation, lean and green manufacturing, and environmental impact assessment. He has secured over £15 million in research funding, authored 350+ publications, and written two books. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of multiple professional institutions (IMechE, IET, HEA).

Composites Materials: From Conventional to Advanced Manufacturing for Emerging Applications

The integration of composite materials in modern engineering is highly demanded due to their high specific strength, design flexibility, and multifunctionality. This keynote examines their evolution from conventional fabrication to modern technologies for emerging applications. The talk begins with fiber-reinforced composites: synthesis, measurements and numerical modelling, enabling process optimization and structural integrity. The second part is a showcase of carbon-fibre reinforced polymer composites through experimental and numerical approaches to predict stiffness, strength, and damage under varied loading conditions. Advanced characterization tools such as Digital Image Correlation, acoustic emission, and µCT scanning are used to underpin the mechanism of crack-propagation-to-failure. Sustainability is addressed through natural fiber composites whose bio-inspired architecture demonstrates promising impact resistance and energy absorption capabilities. The role of interfaces in composite assemblies is also explored, focusing on adhesion, degradation and failure mechanisms to enhance life cycle and durability. Finally, advances in additive manufacturing of polymeric composites are presented, highlighting improved performance through integrated characterization and multiscale modelling approaches.

Professor Fethi Abbassi received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics of Materials from Toulouse University, France, in 2008. He is currently the Chair of Mechanical Engineering at the American University of the Middle East, Kuwait. Previously, he served as Assistant Dean, Department Chair and Associate Professor at Dhofar University, Oman, and as Assistant Professor at the University of Carthage, Tunisia. His research focuses on composite materials, nanocomposites, advanced manufacturing, 3D/4D printing, damage mechanics, and solid mechanics. He has published extensively in leading journals, with highly cited work and frequent keynote and plenary invitations. His contributions have gained international recognition, including a top-cited article in Engineering Results journal.

Including the Human Touch in Robotic Manufacturing and Industry 5 through Surrogate Process Digital Twinning

Dr. Ahmed Jawad Qureshi, Ph.D., P.Eng., is a professor and Research Chair in Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Automation at the University of Alberta, where he also serves as the founder and director of the Additive Design and Manufacturing Systems (ADaMS) Lab having a team of about 25 researchers and students. With over two decades of experience spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, Dr. Qureshi's research focuses on robotic hybrid additive-subtractive manufacturing, digital twinning, AI-driven design methodologies, and advanced material processing. His pioneering contributions to robotic additive manufacturing include developing hybrid manufacturing systems and advanced material processing for sectors such as aerospace, mining, energy, and healthcare. He has received over $20 million in funding from prestigious organizations, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), MITACS, and international government and industry partnerships. As an educator, mentor, and co- founder and CTO of Elementiam Materials and Manufacturing Inc., Dr. Qureshi bridges academic innovation with industrial impact, making him a visionary leader in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 technologies.