Auxetics researchers in Gozo

Researchers and professors from various universities and companies recently met in Malta for the third international conference on auxetics and related systems, followed by a workshop.

The aim of the conference was to give research groups the opportunity to share their knowledge and achievements about auxetics (the growth of an organism without cell division) during recent months.

Around 40 participants spent the last three days in Gozo where they continued with the seminar at the Gozo Ministry in Victoria.

In Malta, auxetics research is lead by Joseph Grima, a lecturer in the Chemistry Department within the Faculty of Science at the University. The team includes a group of collaborators, among whom are university graduates Ruben Gatt and Daphne Attard, who are in the final stage of their PhD studies.

The group is working on the development of new auxetic materials which can be used in the manufacture of protective clothing and equipment. To specialise in this matter, the university recently set up the Metamaterials Unit.