Bristol Materials Network: How materials literacy develops sustainable critical, reflective and creative practice

Peters, Morwenna; Dowling, Fiona

Abstract

In this presentation, Morwenna and Fiona summarised their research project Bristol Materials Network, which aims to build connections and share knowledge and resources around materials and sustainability, enabling the development of materials literacy for UWE students, staff and the wider community in Bristol. In this presentation they shared the learning and experiences and highlighted some of the resources that they have developed.

We define materials literacy as the ability to think critically and make informed and balanced judgements about the materials we encounter, source and select. It empowers us as citizens to contribute to a more sustainable society, by developing our understanding of material origins, properties and environmental impact. As materials are fundamental to creative practice, the Network aims to support students to make more informed material choices within their projects.

Fiona and Morwenna have brought together their individual knowledge and expertise from their technical and library backgrounds, applying it to facilitate and create a series of workshop activities and learning resources. Advocating for further embedding of materials literacy activities within the School and beyond, this presentation seeks to illustrate and underline the value and potential wider application of materials teaching, learning and research in higher education.

• Presentation Conference Type: Presentation / Talk
• Conference Name: Proof! 25 Postgraduate Research Event
• Start Date: May 30, 2025
• Deposit Date: Jun 9, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14549218