We are pleased to share an exciting update from Hongrui Zhang, a first-year Ph.D. researcher at Winchester School of Art. Hongrui attended the prestigious Medical Technology UK 2025 exhibition in Coventry, where Hongrui explored cutting-edge developments in medical device innovation and sustainability.
Hi, this is Hongrui Zhang, a first-year Ph.D. student in Design (E-textile Innovation Lab). With the support of the Winchester School of Art and my supervisor Professor Kai Yang. I had the opportunity to attend the Medical Technology UK 2025 exhibition, held on March 12-13 at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, England. This premier event presented the latest advancements in medical device design, development, and manufacturing. The event featured over 130 specialist suppliers, and a series of comprehensive learning programs such as the Women in MedTech Forum and Plastics & Sustainability in Healthcare, providing valuable insights into emerging trends in healthcare technology. During the exhibition, I actively engaged in learning about the latest industry developments and establishing connections with potential collaborators in both academia and industry. The networking opportunities provided interactions with key specialists in medical technology, fostering potential collaborations and knowledge exchange to enhance the development of sustainable e-textile electrodes as my project focuses on.
One of the key highlights of this event was the advancement in materials for medical applications, particularly in the realm of wearable technology and e-textiles. As my project, “Development of Sustainable and Wearable E-Textiles for Electrotherapy,” focuses on fabricating skin-friendly, sustainable, and high-performance electrodes, the exhibition provided a unique opportunity to explore relevant innovations in material science, electrode design, and manufacturing techniques. During the event, I had engaging discussions with multiple medical representatives such as Polymer Systems Technology UK Ltd, where they showed me their latest products for developing advanced medical silicone materials. This interaction inspired my research, particularly in enhancing the design and fabrication of silicone-based electrodes.
The exhibition also showcased cutting-edge solutions for medical device sustainability, a critical aspect of my research. With a focus on recyclable materials, eco-friendly fabrication processes, and long-term usability, discussions with industry experts provided insights into reducing environmental impact in healthcare applications. A particularly insightful part of the learning program, Plastics & Sustainability in Healthcare: Focus on Design & Development Options, discussed the adoption of biodegradable materials, energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and circular economy approaches in medical device production. However, I also realized that sustainability in healthcare still has a long way to go, as medical materials account for only a small fraction of overall material usage, and much of the effort has yet to become a reality. This awareness reinforced the significance of my research, giving me greater motivation to contribute to this field.


Overall, Medical Technology UK 2025 was highly beneficial to my research, offering exposure to state-of-the-art advancements and reinforcing the importance of sustainable and innovative solutions in healthcare applications. The event not only broadened my knowledge of material innovations and industry trends but also provided an excellent platform to reflect on the broader implications of my work in the real-world healthcare landscape.