Knowledge exchange and engagement activities
In this section, we are sharing the highlights of our Knowledge exchange and engagement activities delivered during this 6-year Programme Grant.
Through these engagements, we have effectively amplified our message, reaching audiences far and wide to highlight the significance of our work. These appearances have driven awareness and understanding of the importance and potential of additive manufacturing within broader communities.
Policy Engagement
A significant highlight of our policy engagement activity was hosting a visit from Nottingham South’s Member of Parliament, Lilian Greenwood. Currently Shadow Minister for Arts, Heritage and Civil Society, Lilian came accompanied by local councillor, Pavlos Kotsonis.
During their visit, they attended a tour of the Centre for Additive Manufacturing (CfAM) lab facilities and learned how the centre is developing additive manufacturing technology for some of the UK’s leading companies, such as Astra Zeneca, Rolls Royce and Canon.
Lilian Greenwood, Nottingham South's MP, and local councillor Pavlos Kotsonis in a visit to the Centre for Additive Manufacturing hosted by Professor Richard Hague. 
During this Programme Grant we have strengthened our research leadership position and have influenced policy through several engagement activities with policymakers, including workshops, rapid advice, contribution to national consultations, as well as scientific advisory board roles assumed by the team of academics.
Public good
A key moment in our journey was our contribution to fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, when we designed, produced and delivered 5,000 face shields to Nottingham’s NHS. The face shields successfully passed the BSI tests and were CE approved for use as part of PPE for healthcare workers’ protection in hospitas.
STEM outreach activities
As part of the PG’s delivery plan and our drive to promote STEM disciplines, we developed targeted materials to school aged kids.
Since our first year, the team has participated in several dynamic and impactful STEM outreach activities, including Pint of Science, an annual science festival that aims to communicate contemporary scientific developments to the public; Family Discovery Day, a free event for families at University Park, Nottingham; Faculty of Engineering Christmas Lecture at the University of Nottingham; Nottingham Festival of Science and Curiosity; Real Science in Schools Symposium; and Science in the Park.
Over the past year, in steadfast dedication to our commitment to STEM outreach, we have delivered an array of engaging activities, highlighted by our participation in the prestigious Royal Society Summer Exhibition and several attendances to local STEM events.
We have developed a specialised educational toolkit for kids, a card game for teenagers, and engaging storytelling around the different materials, processes, and devices. This was complemented by a cohesive visual identity tailored to a younger audience and a curated selection of 3D printed pieces of a range of different shapes, sizes and levels of intricate detailing.
STEM Toolkit for introducing 3D printing to school aged kids 
Introducing additive manufacturing (3D printing) to primary school kids 
These efforts ensure meaningful engagement with younger audiences in the realms of science and technology and encourage a passion for science across diverse communities.
In the media
In recent years, the PG has seen a sharp increase in media presence, with numerous appearances across various platforms including podcasts, magazines, newspapers, and online media outlets.
Some examples of outlets include:
- TCT Additive Insight, podcast and print edition article, February 2024
- The Observer
- Professional Engineering magazine
- Mail Online, tier 1 coverage
- 3DPOD podcast interview
Centre for Additive Manufacturing in the media 