I would like to thank the UK Society for Biomaterials for awarding me this Travel Bursary to attend the UKSB 2026 Annual Conference. The bursary gave me the opportunity to present an oral presentation on my PhD research into antimicrobial polymer particles. It was a great chance to share my work with researchers from different areas of biomaterials and receive valuable feedback. The conference covered a wide range of clinical research and I loved learning progress outside my own field.
My background is in polymer chemistry so it was interesting to hear about developments in areas such as tissue engineering, biofabrication and clinical translation and to see how different areas can learn from one another! One of the talks that stood out to me was Ben Cassidy’s in-vivo work with sheep which deservedly won the best talk award – his talk engaging and easy to follow while demonstrating excellent research with real impact. As someone working in applied polymer chemistry, I found his work particularly inspiring because it showed how fundamental materials research can be translated into practical clinical applications.
Everyone was incredibly welcoming and open-minded – this very friendly atmosphere made it easy to start conversations and learn from each other! I came back with new ideas for my research and a better understanding of current developments in biomaterials for my PhD. I am very grateful to the UKSB for supporting my attendance and making this opportunity possible!!
The UKSB is pleased to announce the launch of the Larry Hench Young Investigators Award 2027. Applications can be made up to midday on the 11th November 2026. Applications received after this date and time cannot be considered.
Larry Hench Young Investigators Prize is a £500 prize to a promising young research scientist in recognition of outstanding and innovative contributions in a selected field of biomaterials research, and in remembrance of such a key figure of this field- Prof Larry Hench (1938-2015). The awardee will be given the costs of registration, accommodation (up to 2 nights, terms and conditions apply) and standard class travel, and a commemorative Larry Hench memorial ceramic award.
Criteria: Evidence of peer reviewed publications, outstanding contribution and demonstrable research in the field of biomaterials or related areas, some experience in presenting at international and national conferences. To be eligible you must be no more than 7 years post final degree award. Please refer to the eligibility criteria found here. Please use the application template here. These must be emailed to ar.boyd@ulster.ac.uk. We will acknowledge receipt, if you do not get an email receipt please let us know.
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.
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.
For the first time, UKSB is joining IOM3’s Biomedical Materials Division, the Tissue and Cell Engineering Society, and the RSC Biomaterials Group to deliver Biomaterials Beyond the Bench, a dedicated industry day for PhD researchers in biomaterials and tissue engineering. Taking place at the Henry Royce Institute in Manchester on 5 October 2026, the event connects researchers directly with employers, regulators, and professional bodies, offering practical insight into the frameworks and expectations that shape careers beyond academia. If you’re a PhD researcher weighing up your next step, or you know one who is, this is a rare chance to see the full breadth of routes into industry in one room. Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
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.
Professor Giuseppe Tronci at the University of Leeds is advertising an exciting PhD opportunity focused on the development of a smart textile mesh integrated with a surgical catheter for local, on-demand release of anticancer drugs triggered by ultrasound.
The degree is funded by the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) and the award covers full academic fees and a maintenance grant for three years in line with the UKRI rate, as well as an overall £10k consumables budget. The deadline for applications is 30 September 2026.
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.
Are you a UKSB student member and current PhD researcher with an accepted abstract for this year’s conference? If so, you’re invited to apply for a UKSB Travel Award. This are a prestigious and competitive awards designed to support your attendance at the Annual Conference in Birmingham on 9–10 July.
These awards not only help with the cost of attending, but also offer fantastic recognition for your CV and professional development. They’re a great opportunity to showcase your research, connect with fellow biomaterials researchers, and be part of a vibrant and supportive community.
To apply, please visit the UKSB Awards page and download the application form under the UKSB Annual Conference Travel Award section. Be sure to check that you meet the eligibility criteria and conditions for the 2026 awards before submitting your application.
We strongly encourage eligible students to apply and make the most of this opportunity. We look forward to meeting you at the conference!
