About the lecture
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Attallah will trace a two-decade research journey, revealing how the introduction of innovative manufacturing technologies has revolutionised several industrial sectors.
Outlining nine episodes of research activity that have helped redefine metallurgical engineering, he will highlight how these advances have impacted applications across aerospace, medical devices, quantum technology, defence and nuclear fusion.
He will begin by explaining how friction – one of the first sources of heat discovered by humankind – was used to join difficult-to-weld materials that power today's Rolls-Royce aero-engines.
Next, he will discuss the transformative advances in additive manufacturing (3D printing) of nickel superalloys, precious metals and tungsten – including technologies that are now commercialised and deployed in industrial settings.
Further case studies will explore the creation of 3D-printed magnetic shielding structures, in addition to innovative additive pathways for personalised medical implants using exotic structural materials.
His story will culminate by explaining how 3D printing is creating a “disturbance in the forge” with its ability to tailor microstructures and properties on demand. The final, open-ended episode will outline current research that is manufacturing potential structures to power future nuclear reactors.
Across the nine episodes, Professor Attallah’s lecture will highlight how interdisciplinary research, strong industrial partnerships and bold ideas can unlock new frontiers in materials science.
About the lecturer
Professor Moataz Attallah received his BSc (with highest honours) and MSc in Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering from the American University in Cairo. He completed his PhD in Metallurgy and Materials Science at the University of Birmingham.
He worked for three years as a Research Fellow at the University of Manchester’s School of Materials with Professor Michael Preuss (2007-10). During this time, he spent a brief spell at Osaka University in Japan.
He returned to the University of Birmingham as a Lecturer in Advanced Materials Processing and was appointed to a Chair in Advanced Materials Processing in August 2014 – before taking on the role of Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer in 2023.
We were delighted to welcome him to the University as the Dean of the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering in September 2025.
He leads the Advanced Materials and Processing Lab (AMPLab). Since 2010, the Group has raised research funding in excess of £15 million – participating in several research programmes and Doctoral Training Centres funded by EPSRC, UKRI, the EU, European Space Agency and global industry partners.
Moataz has given TV interviews and delivered lectures about his research, Additive Manufacturing and career development internationally. He has held honorary visiting positions at universities across the USA, Canada, Brazil, Italy, China and Egypt.
For further information on this lecture, please contact the Events team.
