Inaugural Lecture: Professor Robert Kay, School of Mechanical Engineering
- Date: Wednesday 18 September 2024, 15:45 – 18:00
- Location: Mechanical Engineering LT A (1.33)
- Type: Inaugural Lecture
- Cost: Free
Join us on 18 September for the upcoming Inaugural Lecture of Robert Kay, Professor of Advanced Manufacturing in the School of Mechanical Engineering.
An inaugural lecture is a significant milestone in any academic’s career, recognising their promotion to Professor. It also offers an opportunity for our new professorial colleagues to showcase their work and innovative research with a broad audience, including members of the public, family, friends, and colleagues.
This lecture is part of a Faculty-wide series that celebrates those who have joined the University to offer ever greater teaching, research, and expertise across our eight Schools.
About this lecture
“Hybrid 3D Printing of Advanced Functional Products” will explore Professor Kay’s academic career and his pioneering advanced manufacturing methods that overcome the limitations of existing 3D printing techniques.
3D printing, which is also known as Additive Manufacturing, has long been seen as a revolutionary process in design and production. However, 3D printing techniques have limitations when producing functional devices made from multiple material classes such as polymers, metals, and ceramics. Solving this issue will have a huge impact on manufacturing modern goods, such as smartphones, robotic systems, wearable electronics, and medical devices.
Professor Kay’s lecture will explore the benefits and challenges of interleaving processes and high-performance materials within a single manufacturing platform, enabling the creation of highly functional components with complex electrical, mechanical, and geometric features. He will present case studies on the automated production of UAVs, 3D electronic systems, and high-performance ceramics, demonstrating the potential of this innovative research.
About our speaker
Robert’s career started in the electronics manufacturing sector. Here, during his PhD, he developed a novel microfabrication process that led him to create the spin-out company MicroStencil Limited. As its Chief Technical Officer for seven years, he secured investment, patented its process, established a UK-based production line, brokered partnerships in Asia, and built a diverse customer base.
In 2012, Robert started his first academic role, where his research produced functional devices and products using digital fabrication techniques such as 3D printing.
Robert joined Leeds in 2016 and is now the Director of the Institute of Design, Robotics and Manufacturing. He also represents the University on the British Standards Institute Committee and the International Organization for Standardization panels, helping to develop 3D printing guidance and best practice for the global community. Robert has a range of funded projects that look at fundamental process developments, alongside industry sponsored research.
All his work is multidisciplinary, involving collaborative teams from other universities, industry, research centres, and medical professionals. Robert’s research consistently focuses on impactful change by developing and translating novel, lab-based discoveries into real-world applications that benefit the economy, society, and the environment.
Book your place
The lecture will take place in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, with arrival and registration from 3:45pm in the foyer, and the lecture commencing at 4pm in Lecture Theatre A 1.33. This will be followed by a drinks reception in the foyer from 5pm.
Booking is required to attend this event – you can do so at our dedicated ticket portal. Please book by Monday 16 September.