Matthew Wadge

Dr Matthew Wadge is a Third Century Fellow in Surface Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, joining in November 2024 after four years at the University of Nottingham. His research focuses on thin film coatings using wet chemical and PVD methodologies, with applications spanning biomaterials, energy storage, water treatment, and electrocatalysis. Previously an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellow (2020-2021), he has established himself as a leading researcher in magnetron sputtering and alkaline titanate structures.

Education:

• PhD in Materials Engineering and Materials Design, University of Nottingham (2017-2020)
• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Materials Science, University of Nottingham (2014-2017)

Dr Wadge's research centers on surface modification techniques to enhance structural, chemical, and biological properties of materials. His work with sodium titanate has yielded significant advances in creating porous, bioactive, and antibacterial surfaces for medical implants. Notably, his 'Friday afternoon' experiment led to the self-assembly of titanate-coated microspheres into 3D porous scaffolds—a breakthrough with implications for tissue engineering.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on hydrogen storage materials, magnetron sputtering applications, and biomedical surface engineering. His work bridges fundamental materials science with practical applications in energy and healthcare, demonstrating consistent innovation across multiple sub-disciplines of surface engineering.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024 IOM3 Silver Medal for early-career contributions
• 2020 National Finalist for STEM for Britain
• Armourers & Brasiers' Gauntlet Trust TWI Best PhD Student Award (2020)
• Selected as one of '15 under 30' in Materials Science by Materials World (2019)

Dr Wadge has supervised five PhD researchers (two completed, three ongoing) and over 25 undergraduate/masters students. His research has been supported through prestigious fellowships including the EPSRC Doctoral Prize. As an Early Career Advisory Board Member for Surface and Coating Technology Journal and member of the EPSRC Peer Review College, he actively contributes to the academic community. His outreach activities include Pint of Science festivals, STEM Ambassador roles, and committee positions with the British Standards Committee on Implants for Surgery.