Future STEM leaders kick-start careers
Press Release - 28th July 2025
The Materials Processing Institute (MPI) has welcomed a new cohort of early-career professionals and students onto its prestigious placement programme, designed to develop the next generation of leaders in materials science, engineering, and industrial innovation.
The eight-strong group, including two Millman Scholars from the Tees Valley and the Institute’s first-ever Carol Patton Engineering Scholar, are gaining hands-on experience by contributing to real-world research projects at the Institute’s Teesside campus.
Working alongside experienced scientists, engineers and innovation specialists, the participants are embedded within key strategic areas of MPI, including Green Steel, Sustainable Cement and Concrete, Critical Raw Materials, Materials Development, and Industrial Digitalisation.
Each placement is designed to provide technical skills, project delivery experience and commercial insight, all while supporting research aligned to the UK’s net zero ambitions, industrial resilience and long-term economic sustainability.
Among the group are twin sisters Grace and Lauren Hinton, both studying at the University of Oxford. Grace is pursuing a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, while Lauren is focused on Engineering Science.
Durham University student Isaac Organ is contributing to projects in the Institute’s Green Metals area as part of his Physics degree, while Iain Smith, who is studying MEng Materials Science and Engineering at the University of sheffield, is based in the Research & Technology team.
Also participating are two Millman Scholars from the Tees Valley. Aimee Hughes, a Mathematics student from the University of Manchester, returns for her second placement with the MPI, joining the Industrial Digitalisation team. She is joined by new Millman Scholar Jasmine Covell, who is studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and beginning her journey with MPI this summer.
Another returning student is Susan Ojo, currently studying Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University. Susan’s first placement at the Institute saw her play a role in the development of the world’s first zero-emission cement. She returns to continue her work in the Energy & Process Decarbonisation department.
Completing the cohort is Sam Yarker, an engineering student at Redcar & Cleveland College, who is the first recipient of the MPI’s Carol Patton Engineering Scholarship. Sam will be based within the Institute’s Engineering team throughout his placement.
As well as contributing to live research, the group is also collaborating on a shared project of strategic importance: the creation of a new Values and Behaviours Framework for MPI. This initiative will support a more inclusive and collaborative working environment, guided by a shared sense of purpose and pride.
Terry Walsh, CEO of MPI, 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 is 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 prestigious national benchmark for workplace learning in STEM.
29 July 2025
