The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast hosted its annual Innovation in Action: Engineering Research Showcase on Friday 13th February, as part of the NI Science Festival—bringing together cutting‑edge research, industry partners, and the next generation of engineering innovators. The event included several PhD students, exhibitors and academics presenting their research.
A strong theme throughout the showcase was the value of industry collaboration. Many of the featured projects are supported by external partners, ensuring that research is not only academically innovative but deeply rooted in real-world engineering challenges. This collaborative approach continues to shape both teaching and research within the School, keeping it aligned with the evolving needs of industry.
Alongside all the presenters, one of our own PhD researchers, Orlagh Casey, presented her research on sustainable architectural materials. Orlagh’s research investigates the potential of mycelium‑based composites (MBC) as lightweight, bio‑based components for use in architecture. Her work focuses on how woven hemp textiles can be integrated as structural skins within biologically grown material systems. Using computationally generated principal stress lines (PSL) as a guide, she explores reinforcement strategies that merge structural logic with bio‑fabrication, pushing the boundaries of what environmentally conscious design can achieve.
Her project represents an exciting intersection of biology, computation, and architecture—illustrating how innovative thinking can reshape the materials and methods of future construction. Orlagh’s poster can be found in the RIED Library – Public Presentations area or accessed via the following link….
https://riedesign.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OCasey-NI-Science-Festival-Poster-2026-2.pdf
RIED’s Lead, Professor Mark Price, was also in attendance, where he presented the Programme’s latest research findings on “Cyber Seeds for Superfast Engineering Design“. His contribution offered attendees a glimpse into cutting-edge methods aimed at accelerating and enhancing the engineering design process.
Prospective undergraduate students were able to listen to presentations, learn about different research, as well as saw spaces in which they will learn and develop at Queen’s University Belfast.
Mark’s presentation can be found in the RIED Library – Public Presentations area or be accessed via the following link.
Some other members of the RIED team: Professor Trevor Robinson, Professor Yan Jin, Caitlin Sands and Thomas Whittaker, were also present, listening to the presentations and supporting the competitors.
Thank you to everyone who joined our researchers who shared their work so enthusiastically!