News

By Ali Mahnavi, Keele University 

I was delighted to present my research through both an oral presentation and a poster at the UKSB 2026, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the UKSB for awarding me a travel grant to attend this fantastic event. 

I am currently a second-year PhD researcher in Biomedical Engineering at Keele University, where my research focuses on developing injectable hydrogels for articular cartilage regeneration. At the conference, I presented my work on developing fibrous hydrogel scaffolds designed to mimic the native extracellular matrix of cartilage while providing improved mechanical resilience and a favourable microenvironment for cell growth. 

Presenting my research led to several engaging discussions with academics, researchers, and fellow PhD students working in biomaterials and tissue engineering. The feedback I received was both insightful and encouraging, offering valuable perspectives on my future research directions. These conversations gave me new ideas that I look forward to exploring as my PhD progresses. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with researchers at different career stages. Meeting scientists from other universities and discussing shared research interests reinforced the collaborative nature of the biomaterials community. It was particularly valuable to exchange experiences with other PhD students, many of whom are tackling similar research challenges. 

Overall, attending the UKSB 2026 was an extremely rewarding experience, both scientifically and professionally. It allowed me to present my research, receive constructive feedback, learn about the latest advances in biomaterials and regenerative medicine, and establish new connections that I hope will continue throughout my academic career. 

I am very grateful to UKSB for making this opportunity possible through the travel grant. Thank you once again for your generous support. I look forward to attending future UKSB meetings and continuing to contribute to the biomaterials research community. 

By Saima Ashraf, Nottingham Trent University

Attending the UK Society for Biomaterials (UKSB) Annual Conference 2026 at Birmingham University was an inspiring and rewarding experience. The conference provided the perfect opportunity to immerse myself in cutting-edge research, gain new perspectives, and connect with researchers who share a passion for improving healthcare through innovation. 

A personal highlight of the conference was presenting my research poster, “Biodegradable CaCO₃ Vaterite Microcrystals and Microgels: Surface-Supported and Free-Standing Architectures for Cellular Drug Delivery. Presenting my work to an audience of established academics, early-career researchers, and postgraduate students was both exciting and motivating. It was a privilege to discuss my research with experts in the field, answer questions about my work, and receive valuable feedback that will help shape my future research. 

What made the experience even more meaningful was being surrounded by talented master’s and PhD students showcasing the outcomes of their research. Seeing the breadth and quality of work being undertaken across the biomaterial’s community was inspiring and reinforced my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in research. 

One of the greatest benefits of attending UKSB 2026 was the opportunity to network with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and career stages. I had several insightful conversations about postgraduate study, particularly with a recent PhD graduate whose academic journey closely mirrored my own. We discussed the different routes into research.  

Hearing these personal experiences gave me a realistic understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with postgraduate research. While many described the transition as demanding, they also spoke about the immense personal growth, resilience, and confidence they had gained throughout their research journeys. These conversations offered valuable guidance and have helped me think more clearly about my own future aspirations. 

In addition to the scientific programme, the conference highlighted the importance of effective science communication. The poster sessions showcased a wide range of presentation styles, each demonstrating different ways of making complex research more accessible and engaging. I came away with practical ideas for improving my own poster designs. 

The three-minute flash presentations were another standout feature of the conference. Watching researchers distil years of work into concise, engaging presentations demonstrated the importance of communicating scientific ideas clearly without sacrificing their impact. It was an excellent reminder that effective research is not only about generating new knowledge but also about sharing it in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. 

Looking back, UKSB 2026 was far more than a conference—it was an opportunity to learn, grow, and become part of a welcoming and supportive research community. The experience has strengthened my passion for biomaterials research and reinforced my ambition to contribute to the development of innovative biomaterials and medical technologies that can improve patient care. 

I am sincerely grateful to the UKSB 2026 Organising Committee for delivering such a well-organised and inspiring event, and to the UK Society for Biomaterials for supporting my attendance through the UKSB Travel Award. Their generosity made this experience possible, allowing me to present my research, expand my professional network, and gain insights that will continue to influence my academic journey. 

I leave the conference feeling inspired, motivated, and excited for the next stage of my career, and I look forward to continuing to develop as a researcher while contributing to the future of biomaterials science. 

By Reshma McMullan, Ulster University

I am incredibly grateful to the UKSB President, Dr Adrian Boyd, and all of the UKSB Committee members for awarding me the UKSB Travel Award to attend the 2026 UKSB Conference. Their generous support gave me the opportunity not only to attend this fantastic event at the University of Birmingham but also to fully immerse myself in an inspiring community of biomaterials researchers. 

The conference was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. I thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of excellent talks and presentations, each offering new perspectives and ideas that will undoubtedly influence my own PhD research. One of the highlights for me was the thought-provoking debate on animal testing. It was fascinating to hear different viewpoints, and it encouraged meaningful discussions about the ethical and scientific challenges facing biomaterials research. It was one of the sessions that stayed with me long after the conference had finished. Beyond the scientific programme, one of the most rewarding aspects was meeting so many passionate, knowledgeable, and welcoming people. I had the opportunity to share ideas, discuss research, exchange experiences, and make new friendships that I hope will grow into future collaborations. These conversations were just as valuable as the presentations themselves. 

The conference atmosphere was exceptional throughout. The BBQ on the first evening was the perfect way to meet fellow delegates in a relaxed setting, making it easy to start conversations and build connections before the conference officially began. The beautiful University of Birmingham campus and hotel facilities created an inspiring backdrop for the event, and the warmth, enthusiasm, and openness of everyone involved made the experience truly memorable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this year’s conference and would like to sincerely thank UKSB once again. The knowledge, inspiration, and connections I have gained will have a lasting impact on both my research journey and my future career. 

By Reza Sair, Imperial College London

The UK society for Biomaterials (UKSB) conference 2026 was a fantastic opportunity for a first year PhD student, such as myself, to experience a wider scientific community coming together to discuss novel research and technologies. Thanks to the UKSB travel award, I was able to be a part of this conference and present a scientific poster on zinc incorporation into bioactive glass, to enhance the antimicrobial properties in orthopaedic applications.  

The opening keynote presentation on dental filling materials suitable for children, highlighted both the scientific challenges of developing new biomaterials but also the difficulty of clinical translation and regulatory approval. This was followed by panel conversations on inclusive research, patient involvement and a debate about the need and excessive use of animal testing. Together, these experiences highlighted to me that good scientific research goes beyond discovery in the lab; it is also about communicating ideas and thinking about the people that we are trying to help. A focus on the big picture whilst also discussing how to navigate the hoops and hurdles of regulation, was an area of the field which I had previously given little consideration.  

On top of the panels and debates, I also attended a wide range of presentations on topics such as drug delivery, biofabrication and infection control, learning a great deal about biomaterials research beyond my field of expertise in the process. In presenting my research I also faced challenging and thought-provoking questions that will continue to shape my research going forwards. 

I am extremely grateful to the UKSB for awarding me a Travel Award and making it possible for me to attend the conference. I look forward to attending future events, including the next annual conference in London.