Under the pump: the impact of oil market volatility
Under the pump:
the impact of oil
market volatility
From businesses to governments to households, the ripple effects of oil price instability are felt everywhere.
This webinar explored why alternative materials, advancing sustainable practices, and investments in cutting-edge research are all critical to building a more resilient future. It also looked at how research can help bridge the gaps between rising costs and sustainable manufacturing practices, and why sustainable materials matter more than ever.
Video
Audio
You can read more about our Novel Energy project and, if you're interested in learning more about some of the research we're conducting in this field, especially our interdisciplinary approach across the full technology supply chain, take a look at WMG's project page.
Sustainability is a pillar of the University's 2030 strategy and we offer a number of related Master's programmes, including a new MSc Renewable Energy beginning in 2027.
Host
Professor Stuart Coles
PhD Chemistry, 2006; PG Cert Academic and Professional Practice, 2012
Professor of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing, and Associate Dean (Research), WMG
Professor Stuart Coles conducts research in data‑driven decision-making for industrial decarbonisation to reduce the environmental footprint of everyday products and processes.
His work focuses on plastic recycling systems, spanning chemical and mechanical recycling technologies and, having led major collaborations with industry and government, he is also the Principal Investigator of the £1.6M PLASTIC project to improve sorting and processing of mixed plastic waste.
His research highlights the complementary role of recycling technologies in building resilient, low‑carbon material systems.
Speakers
Joanna Holt
BEng Engineering (Design and Appropriate Technology), 1999
Founding Partner and Everoze Partners Ltd.
Joanna Holt is a technical and commercial specialist in the energy transition sector, with more than 25 years’ experience spanning finance and engineering.
She is a co‑founder of Everoze, an international technical consultancy supporting developers, investors, and policymakers across the decarbonisation sector.
Alongside her work at Everoze, Jo is Chair of the Board at carbon mineralisation company 44.01, and an ex-Non‑Executive Director of the Downing Renewables and Infrastructure investment trust.
Dr Russ Hall
CEng MIMechE - Phd in Metallurgy (2017), Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering 2001
Principal Engineer – Lead for Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy, WMG
Dr Russ Hall conducts strategic work in industrial decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing, focusing on accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero through the integration of industry, policy, and innovation.
He has more than 25 years’ experience across engineering, manufacturing, and policy, including senior roles in industry with Rolls-Royce and Tata Steel, and advising UK Government departments on practical pathways to decarbonisation.
Russ's work emphasises translating net zero ambition into delivery – supporting the development of practical, scalable solutions for resilient, low-carbon industrial systems.
Deeksha Sampath
MSc Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Management (2020); Certificate in Environmental Management, Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (2024)
Technology Transfer Engineer (Sustainability & Materials), WMG SME Group
With over five years' experience across sustainability, materials, and manufacturing, Deeksha Sampath delivers sustainability and decarbonisation programmes, supporting manufacturers to improve resource efficiency, reduce emissions and adopt sustainable practices.
As a key contributor to the Net Zero Innovation Network (NZIN), funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the West Midlands Combined Authority, she has supported over 50 SMEs across a range of manufacturing sectors, including automotive and food manufacturing. Her work has included developing tailored sustainability roadmaps, delivering energy efficiency interventions, and supporting businesses in securing over £100,000 in grant funding for decarbonisation projects.
In 2024, she was recognised as one of the Women's Engineering Society's Top 50 Women in Engineering.