Prof Reece Oosterbeek

Reece Oosterbeek is an Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where he is part of the Solid Mechanics and Materials Engineering Group. His research focuses on additive manufacturing of mechanical metamaterials with novel structures and functions, particularly for biodegradable materials and medical implant applications. In 2026 Reece is leading a new project, funded by SCGC-FIRST: AIM-HIGH: AI-enabled Modification of HIGH-performance recycled polymer formulations. Addressing a critical challenge in plastics sustainability, the project focuses on improving the inconsistent performance and low recycling rates of polypropylene. By combining artificial intelligence with advanced materials testing and additive manufacturing, AIM-HIGH aims to develop scalable workflows for recycled polymers with predictable, high-performance properties. The research has the potential to significantly reduce plastic waste while enabling recycled materials to be used in demanding industrial applications. Reece obtained BE(Hons) and ME degrees in Chemical and Materials Engineering from the University of Auckland. This was followed by a PhD in Materials Science and Metallurgy (2020) from the University of Cambridge, focusing on bioresorbable composite materials. After postdoctoral work at Imperial College London on additively manufactured metal lattice materials for orthopaedic implants, he joined the Department of Engineering Science in Oxford.