51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Professor Mary Ryan CBE FREng, joins Morgan Advanced Materials as Non-Executive Director, bringing expertise in materials science and innovation.

CBE FREng, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director at a global manufacturer of advanced carbon and ceramic materials. She joined the Board on 1 November 2025. 

Morgan Advanced Materials is a global leader in engineering high-performance carbon and ceramic components used in some of the world’s most demanding industrial environments. Its technologies are central to sectors such as aerospace, energy, healthcare and transport, supporting innovations that make systems lighter, safer and more sustainable. These materials are also key to enabling future technological development.  

The company has a rich history dating back to 1856, where they were founded by the Morgan brothers as a small crucible manufacturer in Battersea – just a few kilometres from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College London’s South Kensington Campus.   

The appointment reflects Professor Ryan’s international standing as one of the UK’s leading materials scientists, and her commitment to ensuring that fundamental research drives technological and industrial progress. Her  expertise in surface and nano engineering,  materials degradation and materials for sustainability has shaped major collaborations between universities, research institutes and industry, as well as informed policy and strategy in the UK’s research and innovation landscape. 

As Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise), Professor Ryan leads 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s research and innovation strategy, supporting collaboration across disciplines and sectors to accelerate the translation of discovery into real-world impact. She also holds the Armourers & Brasiers’ Chair in Materials Science, and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and was awarded a CBE for services to materials science in 2022. 

Beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, Professor Ryan is a Trustee of the Francis Crick Institute, a Governing Board Member of the Henry Royce Institute, and a Non-Executive Director of the UK Atomic Energy Authority Her experience in research leadership, industry partnerships and innovation governance brings a valuable perspective to the Morgan Board as it advances its focus on sustainable manufacturing and materials development. 

Ian Marchant, Chair of Morgan Advanced Materials, said: “We are delighted that Mary will be joining the Board. Given her academic background and strong industrial links, she will bring an important and distinctive perspective to our discussions as we look at how we apply materials science to develop commercial opportunities. Not only is she a leading materials scientist; she prioritises the value of putting theory into practice through a commercial and strategic lens.” 

Professor Ryan said: “I’m excited to be joining the Board of Morgan Advanced Materials at such an critical time for the sector. The company’s focus on sustainable innovation and engineering excellence resonates strongly with my own belief in how materials science can make a real difference to society. I look forward to contributing to Morgan’s work in applying science and technology to address real industrial and environmental challenges.” 

Morgan Advanced Materials’ products support a wide range of applications, from components that improve energy efficiency in electric vehicles and industrial furnaces to advanced ceramics that enable cleaner energy generation. The company’s focus on sustainability and performance is closely aligned with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s research strengths in materials science, net-zero technologies and industrial innovation. 

51³Ô¹ÏÍø is home to one of the largest materials research communities in Europe, with academics working across all areas of the materials landscape – underpinning the UK industrial strategy. Through partnerships with industry, government and research institutes, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø  plays a leading role in developing new materials and systems that support global sustainability goals. 

Professor Ryan’s appointment reflects the value of these collaborations and the continued contribution of universities to the UK’s industrial and innovation leadership. It also highlights the importance of scientific expertise in shaping board-level discussions about the technologies and materials that will drive future economies. Her new role at Morgan Advanced Materials further strengthens the connection between cutting-edge research and industrial application, demonstrating how science, engineering and enterprise can come together to deliver progress for both business and society.