Keir Starmer today visited WMG at the University of Warwick to meet researchers, technicians, and students at one of the world’s leading centres for industrial innovation and skills.

He was joined by Labour’s mayors and mayoral candidates, including Richard Parker (West Midlands), Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester) and Claire Ward (East Midlands).

The Labour leader and the mayors visited WMG’s International Manufacturing Centre (IMC), where Warwick experts work with industrial partners to drive forward innovation in fields such as sustainable transport, connected and autonomous vehicles, agritech and advanced manufacturing.

WMG is an academic department within the University and is widely regarded as an international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors, driving innovation in science, technology, and engineering.

Keir met with the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stuart Croft, and the Dean of WMG, Professor Robin Clark, and had an opportunity to see innovative projects such as Warwick Racing, Warwick Moto, and the Driving the Electric Revolution programme for novel electric motors for use in electric transport.

Speaking after the visit, Keir said: "I was delighted to visit WMG at the University of Warwick today to hear about their pioneering work to drive growth through its support for business and industry. We need the UK’s universities to be central to our future economic growth, through their contributions to innovation, sustainability, and the talents of our people.

"Meeting some of the University’s impressive researchers, technicians and students, who are working on the technology of the future, their driving purpose is what an incoming Labour government will bring, if we are privileged enough to serve. We’ll work hand in hand with universities, sixth forms and further education colleges to deliver on each of our five missions to give Britain its future back.”

Vice Chancellor, Professor Croft said: “We were pleased to host the Labour leader and the mayors and mayoral candidates to show them some of the cutting-edge research and product development which takes place here on our campus.

“The University of Warwick is unique with respect to the way it has worked hand-in-glove with industry and businesses for decades, developing innovative products and services with them and finding real-world solutions to complex problems. Collaboration, openness, and creativity is at the heart of our approach, which has led to a host of breakthrough technologies and innovations.”

Dean of WMG, Professor Robin Clark, added: “At WMG, we focus on working with industry to create real innovation to drive growth in our economy, and give people the practical skills to make a difference to the world around them. It was a pleasure to introduce Keir to our researchers, technicians and students who are really helping make our country more sustainable, safer, and prosperous.”

The University of Warwick is ranked as one of the world’s best universities, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

The Prime Minister visited the University of Warwick, on Thursday 7th September, where he announced the UK would re-join the EU’s flagship research scheme, Horizon.

The move means that UK-based researchers and innovators will be able to access funding from the £85 billion programme, in what has been widely hailed as a major boost for the higher education sector.

Rishi Sunak said it was the ‘right deal for the UK’ as he confirmed that the UK would be re-joining Horizon as an associate member.

The Prime Minister chose to make the major policy announcement at Warwick, which has a world-class reputation for science and innovation, and has close ties with research partners across Europe.

During the visit, he was given a tour of the university’s International Manufacturing Centre by Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, and Emma Flynn, the University’s provost.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had held a private conversation with university leaders, Sir David Normington (Chair); Professor Emma Flynn (Provost); Rachel Sandby-Thomas (Registrar), and Dr Chris Twine (Secretary to Council).

The International Manufacturing Centre – part of WMG - is one of the biggest buildings on campus, and at the heart of the University’s technological research and testing. A variety of projects have been undertaken with global companies to develop new products or improve processes at the centre.

Professor Emma Flynn, the University’s Provost, said: “We were delighted to host the Prime Minister today and welcomed the opportunity to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology and innovation we have here at Warwick.

“The fact the Prime Minister chose to come to Warwick to make such a major announcement on science funding gives me a sense of enormous pride in our brilliant academics and researchers, who have built our reputation as a world-leading university on science, innovation and research over many years.

“The announcement today on Horizon funding is fantastic news for Warwick and the wider university sector and will help drive research excellence and collaboration with our partners.

“This deal will make help us address and make a positive difference to the environmental, economic, and social challenges we all face.”

Sir David Normington, chair of Council and Pro-Chancellor, added: “We were delighted to welcome the Prime Minister to Warwick, and are grateful for his interest in our work at the University. Today’s announcement is great news for everyone. Allowing our scientists to work together, irrespective of borders, is in all of our interests.

“As a former civil servant, I also recognise the hard work of the negotiating team who secured this deal in the background, and they deserve great credit.”

The UK will also associate to Copernicus, the European Earth Observation programme. This will provide the UK’s earth observation sector with access to unique data – valuable to helping with early flood and fire warnings, for example – and with the ability to bid for contracts, which they have not been able to access for three years.

The University of Warwick is ranked as one of the world’s best universities, with 92% of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

On Wednesday (20th September) Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, was pleased to welcome guests from the Indian Mission on Design and Advanced Technologies to the United Kingdom. The visit had been arranged through the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The delegation was made up of representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, and a number of companies including Tata Steel; Dynamatic Technologies Limited; Metrochem Metal Powers; DRDO; Norton Motorcycles; TVS Motor UK; Maruti; Bucket Design; Carborundum Universal Ltd; Two Design; Godrej Consumer Products, Ghaison Bikes plus attendees from IIT Roorkee.

The guests were particularly keen to hear more about WMG’s research and education programmes and partnerships, with a clear focus on skills – including upskilling and reskilling.

Introductions were made from Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee, Vice President, Technology and R&D Tata and Chairman, CII National Task Force on Advanced Materials; and Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and Managing Director Dynamic Technologies Ltd and Chairman, CII National Task Force on Advanced Materials.

Mikhil Gandhi, Business Development Manager for Advanced Manufacturing at the West Midlands Growth Company then explained more about how and why the region has already attracted some of India’s biggest companies; before Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, provided the guests with an insight into WMG’s key strengths, and opportunities for further collaboration.

Finally the guests were shown the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) the home of WMG’s battery research, before Professor Claire Davis led a tour of the Advanced Steels Research Centre.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, explained: “It was a pleasure to welcome representatives from the Indian Mission on Design and Advanced Technologies to the United Kingdom to WMG. Our relationship with India is long standing, and one that we value very highly.”

Read more about the CII’s initiatives here: https://www.cii.in/

On Friday (16th June) Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; and Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG, were pleased to welcome guests from the Indian Forum of Parliamentarians.

The delegation was made up of representatives from across various political parties including Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Chair of the Forum of Parliamentarians; Ms. Vandana Chavan - National Congress Party; Shri Krishna Devarayalu Lavu - Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party; Shri Sujeet Kumar - Biju Janata Dal; Shri N K Premachandran - Revolutionary Socialist Party; and Shri Brijendra Singh - Bharatiya Janata Party.

The guests were particularly keen to hear more about WMG’s research and education programmes in electrification and mobility.

They were given a tour of the real-world demo site of the track system for the Coventry Very Light Rail flagship transport project, before Professor David Greenwood led a tour of the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) the home of WMG’s battery research.

Finally the group heard more about the Warwick Moto project, where engineering students have been tasked with designing, building and racing an electric superbike.

The parliamentarians also had the opportunity to meet with Indian PhD students and researchers, studying and working at WMG.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, explained: “ It was a pleasure to welcome the group of Indian Parliamentarians. Our relationship with India is long standing, and one that we value very highly.

“One example of our commitment is the strength of our relationship with IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Kharagpur, whom in October 2022 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a further five years, having first started in 2006.

We are increasingly appreciating the breadth of opportunity India presents, both in the academic and industrial spaces. As India is our main focus internationally at present, we expect to see more visits and more projects over the coming months and years!”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG welcomed Richard Parker, the Labour Party candidate for the Mayor of the West Midlands, to see WMG’s work on skills and innovation and to meet students, technicians and researchers who are working with West Midlands businesses to support industrial innovation and sustainability.

Following his selection for the West Midlands Mayoralty, Richard Parker is looking to develop his understanding of the West Midlands’ industrial innovation field to shape his manifesto.

Professor Robin Clark took him on a tour of WMG’s research and education facilities including the Degree Apprenticeship Centre where he had the opportunity to meet and chat to WMG apprentices and hear more about the WMG Skills Centre.

Following this, he went on to visit the real-world demo site of the track system for the Coventry Very Light Rail flagship transport project, before receiving a tour of the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) to hear more about WMG’s transport electrification projects with companies including Tata, Norton and Lotus.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Richard Parker to WMG.  

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to developing new engineering and manufacturing skills to help bridge the gap between academia and industry; and the chance to showcase our projects supporting productivity and sustainability in the region.” 

George Freeman MP, Minister of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has visited the University of Warwick.

The Minister was given a tour of the Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies where he heard about WMG’s ground-breaking research in advanced measurement techniques (metrology), Micro-CT scanning and additive manufacturing (3D printing).

Professor Mark Williams explained how the University is working with a team in Kharkiv, Ukraine, to develop software that rapidly identifies life-threatening injuries so they can prioritise who needs emergency surgery soonest.

Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, George Freeman, said: “This ground-breaking digital advanced imaging software is one of the outstanding technologies being developed by Warwick University researchers & companies in the Warwick manufacturing & engineering cluster, but also the range of applications of these digital technologies to deliver transformational improvements from cutting NHS waiting times, one of the PM’s Top 5 priorities, to advanced digital twin manufacturing, to forensic & materials science. This is world class digital innovation supporting transformational innovation here in the West Midlands cluster being developed by Mayor Andy Street with local Universities & businesses.”

Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Minister to our campus and to be able to showcase some of our ground-breaking research to him.

“We have a proven track record of working closely with a wide range of partners to find solutions to real world challenges which have a tangible impact on society.

“The research we have shown him today, to speed up the triaging process for injured people, is just one example of how our research can have positive impact. We’re helping to save lives in emergency situations through this new technology.”

Professor Mark Williams, WMG at the University of Warwick, said: “As well as being useful in other emergency situations such as earthquakes, the research is also applicable to doctors in trauma wards – already stretched by pressures experienced by the NHS – who need to triage patients quickly.

“At WMG, we will be using 3D imaging to create replicas of human anatomy and shrapnel wounds. These will act as ‘test objects’, which experts in computer science can then use to calibrate their technology and AI programme.”

Based in the International Manufacturing Centre at WMG, CIMAT hosts Metrology, X-ray Computed Tomography, and Additive Manufacturing capabilities. There is a wide range of scanning technologies for the 3D characterisation and validation of complex internal and external architectures, including high resolution laser scanning, microfocus CT and immersive visualisation. The additive technologies capabilities include the development and application of advanced functional metallic and multi-material solutions for exploitation in the high value manufacturing sector.

WMG is considered a leading international role model for successful collaboration between academia and the public and private sectors by successive UK Governments.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG at the University of Warwick, was pleased to welcome Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove and West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street on Monday (20 March).

The Levelling Up Secretary and West Midlands Mayor signed a landmark deeper devolution deal for the region, marking a seismic shift in power, funding and responsibility from Whitehall to the region, at a ceremonial event that took place at WMG at the University of Warwick.

The deal announced in the Spring Budget puts more cash and power in the hands of local leaders to invest in the priorities that local communities truly care about, such as better bus and train services, skills and housing.

A new long-term funding settlement will enable the Mayor and local councils to plan for the long term, with certainty, and unlock tangible benefits for almost three million people living in the area.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: “Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand the needs of their areas better than decision-makers in Whitehall - that is why it is vital that we put more power and control in their hands.

“This deal goes further than we’ve ever gone before. It will give the Mayor unprecedented power to spend on local priorities and more control over transport, skills and housing – the things people truly care about.

“Today marks a bold new frontier in devolution in this country, and it’s fantastic to see the West Midlands right at the forefront.”

Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of Warwick, which hosted the Levelling Up Secretary's visit, said: “It is good to be able to support the hard work across our region that has led to this agreement. We’re proud to play an active role in driving business growth and innovation in the West Midlands, whether that’s through our apprenticeship programmes, support for start-ups, or our close partnerships with industry across the region.

"Our world leading research into new green energy and technology is an example of where we’re not only developing new businesses, skills, and jobs, but also helping the UK to reach its net zero goals.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG at the University of Warwick, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Levelling Up Secretary and the West Midlands Mayor, and we were proud to provide the location for the signing of this landmark devolution agreement.

“Before the official signing, I had the opportunity to show Mr Gove our 3xD driving simulator for autonomous vehicle research, and to explain more about WMG’s commitment to developing new engineering and manufacturing skills to help bridge the gap between academia and industry.”

Read more about the Deeper Devolution Deal.

It was a pleasure to welcome guests from the Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) to WMG at the University of Warwick on Wednesday 12th October 2022.

UTeM Chancellor cum Melaka State Governor, His Excellency Tun Seri Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam; UTeM’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Massila Kamalrudin; and UTeM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Professor Dr Ghazali Omar; were met by Dean of WMG Professor Robin Clark, University of Warwick Provost, Professor Christine Ennew; and WMG’s Director of Client and Business Development (East Asia) Dr Kogi Balakrishnan,

His Excellency was particularly interested to hear more about WMG’s research addressing net zero including energy innovation, very light rail, smart cities and the future of engineering.

The guests were then given a guided tour of WMG’s world class battery research facilities in the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), before being given a demonstration of the 3xD Simulator in the International Manufacturing Centre, the world's first immersive, simulated environment for smart and connected vehicles.

Finally, the delegation was taken to WMG’s Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies (CiMAT) where the group learnt more about scanning technologies for the 3D characterisation and validation of complex internal and external architectures, including high resolution laser scanning, micro-CT and advanced 3D visualisation.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG at the University of Warwick said: “It was a pleasure to welcome our guests from UTeM and to share the work we are doing here at WMG. What became apparent at the outset was the synergy between the two institutions with respect to the applied way in which we both view our work, whether education or research. I look forward to further discussions and I hope some form of future collaboration.”

His Excellency Tun Seri Dr Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam said: “In line with UTeM’s vision and mission, it is hoping that WMG and UTeM can start fostering collaborations in research and training. WMG’s broad experience and innovation output may lead UTeM to become the leading innovative and creative technical university in the region. Gratitude to WMG for the warm welcome and hospitality during UTeM’s visit to WMG.”

UTeM was established in December 2000, and boasts strengths in technical fields – namely Engineering, IT, and Management Technology. UTeM has cemented a reputation of being a source of high-quality engineering graduates with the capability of meeting the requirements of high-tech industries.

Find out more about UTeM here.

It was an honour to welcome representatives from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur to WMG at the University of Warwick.

The guests were met by Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; Margot James, Executive Chair; Professor David Greenwood, Director for Industrial Engagement and Professor Mark Williams, Chair of the International Strategy Group (ISG). The group was then taken on a guided tour of WMG’s world class research and education facilities in the Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Building, the International Manufacturing Centre (IMC) and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC).

Guests from the IIT included Professor Virendra Kumar Tewari; Debashish Chakravarty, Professor of Mining Engineering and Associate Dean Alumni Affairs; and Surjya Kanta Pal, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Chair of the Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

After the tour, Professor Robin Clark and Professor Virendra Kumar Tewari signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a further 5 years.

WMG has had a close relationship for many years with the IIT, particularly with IIT Kharagpur and signed the first MoU education and research partnership in 2008.

Following the success of the partnership through the internship and PhD scholarship programme, the two organisations will now continue to work together on research and explore opportunities for a joint PhD programme and joint academic programmes for industry professionals and academic staff in the field of automation, manufacturing, and Industry 4.0. The relationship will also facilitate the exchange of staff between the two institutions and develop a joint PhD programme.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG at the University of Warwick said: “It was a pleasure to welcome colleagues from IIT Kharagpur, to hear about their work and to share what we are currently engaged in at WMG. Our relationship is long standing, one that we value highly and one that we are excited about developing with new ideas alongside our established successes.”

Professor Mark Williams, Leader of the Centre for Imaging, Metrology, and Additive Technology (CiMAT) said: “The extension of this important partnership clearly demonstrates our commitment to a close working relationship with India and builds on the international presence of WMG and The University of Warwick.”

Professor Virendra K Tewari, Director, IIT Kharagpur remarked: “It was a pleasure to visit the University of Warwick. A warm welcome was extended by our counterparts which gave us many memoirs to cherish. We look forward to further great associations and collaborations with WMG in terms of innovative ideations on academic frontiers and explore other opportunities of research and development. These understandings will enhance the scope of technological advancements for both the institutions and carve a way for better successes.”

Visit the ‘Overseas Teaching Centres’ webpage for more information about WMG’s collaborations with international institutions.

It was an honour to welcome guests from the Malaysia-UK Higher Education Collaboration Enrichment Programme (MY-UK HECEP), a flagship programme organised by the Malaysian Government, to WMG at the University of Warwick on Friday (23 September).

MY-UK HECEP started in 2018 with the aim of strengthening partnerships between universities in Malaysia and UK. The Programme brings together policymakers, academics, researchers, and university management to exchange best practice in the internationalisation of higher education.

The universities in the programme work together on student and staff mobility, shared research, innovative curriculum development and digitalisation, doctoral training, transnational education (including Master's and PhD programmes), building industry relationships, and improving graduate employability.

The guests were met by Dr Kogi Balakrishnan, WMG’s Director of Client and Business Development (East Asia); before being introduced to Dr Ben Silverstone who explained more about WMG’s research capabilities and education programmes including the WMG Skills Centre.

They were then shown the 3xD Simulator, the world's first immersive, simulated environment for smart and connected vehicles, before enjoying a guided tour of both the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre and the Energy Innovation Centre - where they heard more about WMG’s world leading battery research.

Alia Alias, Education Attache, High Commission of Malaysia, London said: “It was indeed an insightful tour and active engagement we had during the visit. The Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia is looking forward to strengthening the bridge between academics and industry with the model that WMG has established. The Malaysian university representatives have briefly discussed future collaboration, especially on research collaboration and staff attachment to integrate possible collaboration improvements that lead to innovation. Many thanks to WMG for hosting us and Dr Kogi for coordinating this fantastic visit and partnership.”

Dr Kogi Balakrishnan said: “High level strategic visits between academics, policy makers and technocrats focussed on exchange of innovative ideas and best practises between the UK and Malaysian institutions is an embodiment of the close bilateral educational and research ties between both our countries.”