Court for future generations: do we still need to invent new materials?

The MaTerRE DIM is supporting the “ Should new materials still be invented?” tribunal for future generations, an event organized by Lola Lilensten and Mathilde Laurent-Brocq and taking place on November 19 from 4 to 5:30 pm during the 2024 edition of the SF2M annual days. This original event is open to all.

The Future Generations Court:

The Future Generations Court (or TGF) is a series of debates created in 2010 by Usbek & Rica, the media that explores the future. Halfway between a conference and a show, the TGF hearings are inspired by the staging of a trial to debate the major issues of the future. Real-life experts take the stand in a fictitious courtroom, with the audience as the jury.

Context :

The production of materials is responsible for more than 20% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, to which must be added the environmental costs associated with their extraction. They are nevertheless essential to provide a livable and pleasant environment in the world of tomorrow. So materials are both part of the problem and part of the solution in a desirable world in wich global warming is limited to 1.5° C. 

Recycling, when possible, drastically reduces the environmental impact of materials compared to primary production, but controlling the composition and therefore quality remains a challenge. The improvement of the properties allows the lightening of the structures, the increase of the service life but often relies on complex materials, difficult to recycle. The concerted improvement of recycling and material design but also the optimisation of the production chain of parts «from cradle to grave» and the reasoned use of materials are therefore major issues. 

SF2M 2024 annual days :

The SF2M 2024 annual days will take place from November 18 to 21, 2024 and will focus on the environmental impact of materials and will be organized around 4 main themes: 

• Circular economy, secondary raw materials and materials recycling
• Innovation and optimisation of production and repair processes
• Improved properties for more durability
• Building materials for a sustainable city.

The SF2M 2024 Medals and Awards will be presented as part of these days.

Can’t attend the event in person, or are there no places left? We have scheduled a live broadcast: https: //youtube.com/live/n77dBhG54KI?feature=share