Researchers from the School of Engineering and Materials Science have continued their ongoing collaboration with Central Saint Martins (CSM) and University of the Arts London, exploring creative connections between design and materials science.

The partnership (led by Dr Michael Thielke and Professor Ana Sobrido from QMUL, together with Alara Sipahioglu, Technical Studies Lecturer at CSM and QMUL alumna) connects students from the Material Futures MA course with Queen Mary's expertise in sustainable energy materials, electrospinning, and bio-derived polymers.

The collaboration between Dr Thielke, Prof Sobrido, and CSM is not new. Last year’s projects were showcased at the CSM final-year exhibition, including an award-winning initiative that used electrospun keratin fibres derived from human hair waste, to produce customised prostheses.

This growing partnership aims to inspire cross-disciplinary work that combines scientific innovation, sustainability, and design thinking. It reflects Queen Mary’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, by opening its research environment to creative communities and supporting hands-on experimentation at the intersection of science, art, and sustainability.