The British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA) is bringing together researchers, industry leaders and innovators for the UK Tyre Research Workshop on the afternoon of 10 December 2026.

Taking place in Cambridge following the Tire Industry Project’s Tire Emissions Research Conference, this independently organised BTMA workshop will provide a collaborative environment for participants to explore the future of tyre research in the UK, identify shared priorities and build the partnerships needed to drive progress over the coming years.

Why attend?

The UK has world-class expertise in materials science, engineering, sustainability, emissions research and tyre technology. However, this knowledge and capability is spread across different institutions, organisations and disciplines.

The workshop has been created to connect that expertise by bringing together representatives from industry, academia, research organisations and policy to:

• Identify current UK research strengths, facilities and expertise.
• Explore opportunities for collaboration between industry and academia.
• Share knowledge and ideas that can accelerate innovation.
• Reduce duplication and focus resources on priority research areas.
• Develop practical next steps that could support future research programmes, working groups and funding opportunities.

The aim is to establish stronger connections across the sector and help shape a coordinated research agenda that supports the long-term success of the UK tyre industry.

An interactive, outcomes-focused workshop

This will not be a traditional presentation-led event. The three-hour workshop is designed to encourage active participation, focused discussion and the development of practical ideas.

The programme will include:

• A short scene-setting introduction.
• Challenge pitches from key stakeholders.
• Facilitated breakout discussions.
• Quick-fire report-backs.
• A closing summary of emerging themes, collaboration opportunities and next steps.

Each part of the workshop will be designed to produce clear, capturable outputs, from priority research questions to potential areas for collaboration.

Building a lasting research network

The workshop represents the first step in BTMA’s ambition to develop a stronger and more connected UK tyre research community.

Following the event, BTMA intends to capture and share the key discussion outcomes, support the formation of an Academic Steering Committee and explore opportunities for future collaborative research activity.

The longer-term ambition is to establish a regular programme of BTMA research workshops, strengthening the direction and impact of UK tyre research year after year.

Who should attend?

The workshop will be relevant to those working in:

• Tyre manufacturing and technology.
• Materials science.
• Engineering.
• Sustainability.
• Environmental and emissions research.
• Academia and research institutions.
• Government and policy.
• Innovation and related disciplines.

Whether you are already involved in tyre research or can bring expertise from an adjacent field, this is an opportunity to contribute new perspectives, develop valuable connections and help shape the UK’s research agenda for the years ahead.

Register your place

Registration for the BTMA UK Tyre Research Workshop is now open.

Places are limited to ensure an interactive and productive workshop environment, so early registration is encouraged.

Register now and help build a lasting academic legacy for the UK tyre industry.