The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has welcomed a new cohort of early-career professionals and students onto its prestigious summer placement programme, designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in materials science, engineering, and industrial innovation.

This year’s seven-strong intake includes two Millman Scholars from the Tees Valley and the Institute’s first-ever Carol Patton Engineering Scholar. Each participant is gaining invaluable hands-on experience by contributing to live research projects at MPI’s Teesside campus.

Working alongside leading scientists, engineers and innovation specialists, the group is embedded in key strategic areas of the Institute’s work, including Green Steel, Sustainable Cement and Concrete, Critical Raw Materials, Materials Development and Industrial Digitalisation.

The placements are tailored to develop technical knowledge, project delivery capability and commercial awareness, all while advancing research aligned with the UK’s net zero goals, industrial resilience, and economic sustainability.

Among the cohort are twin sisters Grace and Lauren Hinton, both currently studying at the University of Oxford. Grace is undertaking a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, while Lauren is focused on Engineering Science.

Durham University Physics student Isaac Organ is contributing to the Green Metals research area, while Iain Smith, studying MEng Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield, is working within MPI’s Research & Technology team.

Two Millman Scholars from the Tees Valley are also participating. Aimee Hughes, a Mathematics student at the University of Manchester, returns for a second placement with the Institute, this time supporting the Industrial Digitalisation team. She is joined by fellow scholar Jasmine Covell, a Natural Sciences student at the University of Cambridge, who is beginning her first placement with MPI this summer.

Chemical Engineering student Susan Ojo, from Loughborough University, also returns to MPI after a previous placement in which she contributed to the development of the world’s first zero-emission cement. This summer, she is continuing her work within the Energy & Process Decarbonisation department.

Completing the group is Sam Yarker, an engineering student at Redcar & Cleveland College and the first recipient of the newly established Carol Patton Engineering Scholarship. Sam is based within the Institute’s Engineering team.

In addition to their individual research contributions, the group is collaborating on a shared project to co-create a new Values and Behaviours Framework for MPI. This internal initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, underpinned by shared purpose and pride.

Terry Walsh, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said:

This programme is a vital part of our mission to strengthen the STEM pipeline and ensure the North East and the UK remain at the forefront of materials innovation. We’re incredibly proud to be providing these young people with opportunities to work on pioneering projects that have real-world impact.

From developing zero-emission cement to exploring greener approaches to steelmaking, these are more than placements – they are a launchpad for future careers that will shape a cleaner, stronger industrial future. We are especially proud to welcome back returning students and to support local talent through initiatives like the Carol Patton Scholarship.

The programme is delivered in partnership with the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), and each participant will receive a Gold Industrial Cadet Award – a nationally recognised benchmark for workplace learning in STEM.