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We are all familiar with the prototypical elastic instability: the buckling of a slender column under a compressive load. Soft elastic solids, such as rubbers, gels, and biological tissues, are united by their ability to sustain very large shape changes, and consequently undergo a range of more exotic elastic instabilities underpinned by the non-linear geometry of large strains. I will discuss several such instabilities, including fingering in soft solid layers under tension, beading in solid cylinders subject to surface tension, and a brand new "peristaltic" instability in inflated cylindrical channels. In the second half of the talk, I will discuss the buckling of a growing layer adhered to a soft substrate. I will argue on symmetry grounds that such buckling will inevitably produce patterns of hexagonal dents near threshold, and then make a biological case that this buckling process leads to the folded shape of the human brain.

EOI: The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council invites proposals for its manufacturing futures – adventurous manufacturing research call. This aims to encourage highly adventurous and transformative manufacturing research in the near term that has the potential to disrupt the future manufacturing landscape. Proposals are encouraged from the breadth of engineering and physical sciences research community that focus on addressing key challenges in UK manufacturing. Research may contribute to the following research vision themes:

•21st century products;

•digital manufacturing;

•sustainable industries;

•new industrial systems.

These visions cover the entire manufacturing spectrum, including simulation, design, production, fabrication, systems and services leading to successful processes and products.

Applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their approach and explore new ways of working. Industrial engagement is expected throughout the course of the grant where appropriate.

Applications are welcomed from academics working in the relevant areas and those working at the interface between underpinning science and manufacturing who want to move their work into the manufacturing domain. The award is intended for PIs only, but co-investigators may be permitted for projects that cross disciplinary boundaries if they are from a different discipline to the PI.

The total budget is £3 million to fund approximately 12 projects, each of up to £250,000 for a maximum of two years. Projects are funded at 80 per cent of the full economic cost.

The EPSRC are seeking expressions of interest by 16:00, Thursday 23rd August 2018, for participation of UK groups in the JSPS Core-to-Core Scheme in the area of advanced functional materials.

The EPSRC will contribute up to ï¿¡2M for the call as matching funding to that provided by JSPS. Applicants will be informed by the EPSRC of the outcome of their expression of interest during the week of 10th September 2018 and those invited to submit a full application to the EPSRC should do so by 16:00, 25th October 2018.

The EPSRC will fund approximately two collaborations depending on success in the peer review process that will be managed thereafter by JSPS. Funds should be used over a 5 year period for joint research projects, seminars and researcher exchanges with the aim to create world-class research hubs centred around the UK, Japan and at least one other country. Groups in all countries involved must successfully secure funds for the project to go ahead. JSPS will confirm this in February 2019 and successful projects are to start from April 2019.

For more information about the EPSRC application procedure please read the application guidance at the following web link:

For more information about the JSPS application procedure, please go to the following web link:

Pre-EOI 25th Oct

EOI 4th DEC

The Manufacturing the Future Theme is looking to invest in highly adventurous manufacturing research to address the research visions of the theme:

• 21st Century Products
• Digital Manufacturing
• Sustainable Industries
• New Industrial Systems.

These visions cover the entire manufacturing spectrum, including simulation, design, production, fabrication, systems and services leading to successful processes and products. This call is aimed at academics already working in these areas as well as those currently working at the interface between underpinning science and manufacturing who want to move their work into the manufacturing domain.

The vision for the Manufacturing the Future theme is for the research we sponsor to help solve some of the most serious challenges facing the UK today and in the future. Manufacturing makes a major contribution to the UK economy but further investment is required, particularly in high-value and specialist manufacturing, underpinned by the research base. Our aim is to create and capture the benefits of research for UK manufacturing industries, thereby supporting UK productivity and prosperity.

This initiative will look to support a portfolio of exceptional and potentially transformative science and engineering research projects that have the potential to contribute to the manufacturing research visions.

A high degree of risk in these applications is expected and welcomed to encourage speculative ideas or new ways of thinking.

Applicants must complete the Intent to Submit form below by 16.00 on 25 October 2018, before submitting outline proposals by 16.00 on 04 December 2018.