We are pleased to announce the Speakers for the ITFP-GH Conference 2025 

Summary

Advanced electronic textiles with complex functionalities have received increasing interest in recent years from both academia and industry. Textiles offer a perfect substrate for embedding electronics near the body as textiles are normal to wear close to the skin for extended periods. This presentation will overview some of the electronic textile innovations created by the Advanced Textiles Research Group utilising electronic yarn technology, including temperature sensing garments, illuminating garments, and textile capable of providing haptic feedback.

The combination of electronics and textiles can introduce complications at the end-of-life for electronic textile products and the presentation will also discuss research into the evaluation of the sustainability of existing electronic textile products, and how we have applied this knowledge to improving the sustainability of our own innovations.

Short CV

Dr. Hughes-Riley is an Associate Professor in Electronic Textiles at Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom), where their research focusses on the design and development of novel electronic textile (E-textile) devices. Their research has a particular emphasis on sensor technologies and the creation of electronic textiles for wellbeing, healthcare, and workwear applications. Dr. Hughes-Riley has published over 40 publications in top peer-reviewed journals, including Chemical Society Reviews, Science Bulletin, Progress in Photovoltaics, and Scientific Reports. As an investigator they have secured more than £2M in external research funding from funding agencies and industry.

Summary

Drawing from her previous industry experience in printed and woven textiles, Claire’s key areas of expertise focus on supporting the transition to the circular economy, with a focus on textiles and fashion behaviours; research on the sustainability impacts of fibre and textiles; knowledge exchange and external policy and sector engagement work with manufacturing stakeholders; and global sustainability engagement and media. This presentation will explore the drivers and values required for the transition to a sustainable future, and discuss the role of innovation, collaboration and networks for making this vision a reality.

Short CV

As a member of Textiles Engineering and Materials Research Group (TEAM), which develops innovative eco-friendly textile processes and sustainable textile materials, Claire liaises with industry bodies, livery companies, the manufacturing sector, and trade organisations to develop projects which leverage the impact of the high value, scientifically-driven work TEAM achieves. 

Recent examples of media work include appearances on BBC East Midlands news, and Radio 4’s Today Programme, ITV News, BBC World Service Business Daily, BBC Radio 4 The Today Programme, BBC World Service, and BBC Radio Leicester, and in publications including the New York Times, Vogue Business and London Times newspapers.

Recent projects include leading the Innovation Strand of Professor Rachel Granger’s Community Renewal Fund project, ‘Leicester Textiles Renewal’, funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, in partnership with Leicester City Council and social enterprise Fashion Enter.

Claire was also appointed as a Steering Committee Member for the Innovate UK & Global Alliance Africa convened UK-Nigeria Circular Fashion Global Innovation Network, to catalyse and foster innovation in the Nigerian fashion industry, and support its transition towards the circular economy. Claire is also the UK Lead of Redefining Chemical Use in Production and Manufacturing Pillar for the network, and with her Nigerian co-lead was awarded a bid for fellow TEAM member Dr Edward Smith and Claire to advise a dye house in Lagos on developing sustainable alternative processes, colourants and auxiliaries to traditional Nigerian Adire wax resist textile coloration techniques, whilst retaining the intangible cultural heritage of the process.

Claire is affiliated with the Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC), the internationally leading Chartered Colourist awarding industry body for advancing coloration technologies, and holds Membership of their Examinations, Qualifications and Accreditations Board, drawing on these resources to support the wider industry.

Summary

The global fashion industry is at a transformative crossroads. Sustainability is no longer a niche pursuit, it is a strategic imperative. Yet achieving true sustainability goes far beyond adopting circular business models or introducing isolated innovations. It requires a holistic approach that integrates technology, deep understanding of consumer moral responses, and education that empowers the next generation of fashion professionals.

Drawing from research on circularity and global supply chain, as well as experience designing federal and private funded educational projects, this keynote will explore how fashion industry can align innovation with shifting consumer expectations. Further, this keynote will showcase how universities can serve as incubators for sustainable thinking and practice. By bridging the worlds of academia and industry, we can cultivate transformational leaders who will champion sustainability in food and fiber systems and fashion markets. Attendees will leave with insights into how sustainability, technology, consumer trust, and innovative teaching practices intersect to shape the future of fashion and how educators and industry experts, together, can drive meaningful change. 

Short CV

Dr. Jiyoung Kim is an Associate Dean and Professor of Merchandising and Digital Retailing at the University of North Texas, where she integrates her expertise in social responsibility, sustainability, and digital consumer behaviour into an impactful research program. She earned her Ph.D. in Consumer Science from The Ohio State University. Dr. Kim’s research centres on the human experience and its connection to diverse socio-economic and ecological systems. Her scholarly work explores how consumers engage in socially responsible actions, contribute to community development, and support small businesses. She is particularly interested in how consumer networks respond to societal issues, both as social entities and as community support systems. Driven by a passion for scientific inquiry and ecological connectivity, Dr. Kim’s work bridges academic research and practical applications to advance sustainability and social good within the fashion and retail sectors.

Summary

Nanofillers play a pivotal role in improving the properties of nanocomposites. All these nanocomposites have found versatile applications in electronics, electrical, automobile and aerospace industries. It is essential to investigate the chemistry of nanofillers in influencing the properties of both elastomers and plastics by altering the chemistry of the nanofillers. A systematic investigation was carried out to know the role played by nanofillers in making the nanocomposite mechanically sound, thermally stable and conductive materials. All these composites were prepared different routes such as electrospinning, two roll mill mixing, solution casting methods.

Graphene significantly improved the separation efficiency of azeotropic mixtures due to the better dispersion and morphology of the composite developed. Mechanical, thermal and tribological properties of the elastomer composite improved by the introduction of graphite, exfoliated graphite and graphene. Graphene and graphene based materials are widely used for the development of energy storage devices due to its exceptional electrical conductivity and electrochemical stability. Graphene-based electrodes were developed for supercapacitor applications. 

Short CV

Prof. Dr. Soney C. George is a distinguished academic and researcher renowned for his contributions to nanotechnology and engineering education. He currently serves as the Dean of Research and Director at the Centre for Nanoscience and Technology at Amal Jyothi College of Engineering (Autonomous), Kottayam. With advanced degrees including an M.Sc., M.B.A. in Human Resources, and a Ph.D., Dr. George exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. His dedication to teaching and research has earned him numerous accolades, including the National Technical Teacher Award (2022), the ISTE Best Faculty Award (2019), and the KTU Best Researcher Award (2018). He also holds a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership.

Prof. Dr. George’s research career began with early recognition through the DST Fast Track Award for Young Researchers in 2005 and the ISCA Young Scientist Award in 2001. His work continues to inspire innovation and academic growth among students and peers. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), he maintains a strong presence in the global scientific community.