WMG News - Latest news from WMG

Student ProjectLink opens in a new window teams at WMG, University of Warwick, have been celebrating a series of outstanding achievements across national and international competitions, alongside hosting impactful industry events that showcase the breadth of student talent at Warwick.

Warwick CyberLink opens in a new window, a new initiative bringing together students from across the University to work on cyber security problems and projects, has delivered exceptional results across four major cyber competitions:

• Finished in third place at the 9/12 Strategy ChallengeLink opens in a new window in Washington DC, competing against more than 30 teams from the US and internationally.

• Reached the semi-finals of the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2026Link opens in a new window with two teams, winning multiple awards including Best Briefing Note, Best Name and Emblem, and Best Teamwork.

• Secured 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th place with three teams out of 28 universities at Sheffield Siege 2026Link opens in a new window.

• Achieved a top-three finish at the pwnEd 7Link opens in a new window Finals in Edinburgh.

Expert comment from Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick.

"The laying down of The Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026 before Parliament is a landmark moment for the UK; it translates the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 into operational reality and provides a clear legal route for commercial self-driving passenger services on Britain’s roads."

Dr Hasina Rahman, Research Fellow at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, has been awarded funding by the Noise Network Plus to apply her innovative, unconventional approach of acoustics to materials engineering.

Dr Rahman, who is based in WMG’s Advanced Materials Manufacturing Centre (AMMC), has a strong background in acoustics, combined with expertise in chemistry and materials science, enabling her to collaborate with leading industry partners such as Empa and Materiacustica to translate science into practical, high‑performance solutions. 

Her latest project entitled AcouPore, has secured financial backing from the Noise Network Plus. Noise Network Plus aims to build unprecedented research capabilities to tackle the complex challenge of reducing noise and its impacts on people, the environment and the economy.

Congratulations to Dr Han Zhang, Associate Professor (Reader) in Multifunctional Polymers and Composites at WMG, who has been awarded the 2026 Beilby Medal and Prize. One of the most distinguished awards in science, the Beilby Medal and Prize is awarded annually to a scientist or engineer whose work has exceptional practical significance in chemical engineering, applied science, energy efficiency, or a related field.

Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) strengthened its regional, national and global relationships throughout March, meeting MPs, international university representatives, and business leaders.

The meetings highlight WMG’s crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, as well as its strong commitment to collaboration and innovation.

Below is an overview of some of the key meetings that took place.

British Science Week made a triumphant return this year, with the Outreach and Widening Participation team at WMG delivering a host of inspiring events and activities to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in children across Coventry and beyond. Working closely with colleagues across the University, including Warwick’s Widening Participation team, WMG Outreach delivered ten events — from school visits and hands-on workshops to teacher training — that engaged more than 2,300 students from over 40 schools.

The late Dr David Clark, a much-loved colleague and friend to everyone at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, has been commemorated with a new medal unveiled at this year’s Parliamentary & Scientific Committee’s STEM for Britain event.

WMG has long supported STEM for Britain - a major scientific poster competition and exhibition for early career researchers, held in Parliament since 1997. Chaired by George Freeman FRSA MP, the event offers members of both Houses an insight into the outstanding research taking place in UK universities.

A special medal created in Dr Clark’s honour was presented to the winning entrants by his son, Matthew Clark, at the event on 17^th March.

On Thursday (12^th March), Chris McDonald MPLink opens in a new window, Minister for Industry in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)Link opens in a new window and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)Link opens in a new window, visited Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick.

He met with researchers, technicians, and students at the International Manufacturing Centre (IMC), where experts work with industry partners to drive forward innovation in fields such as advanced manufacturing and agritech.

He was welcomed by Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG; Professor David Greenwood, CEO WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director for Industrial Engagement, and Greg Clark, Executive Chair of the University of Warwick's Innovation District.

More than 150 Nobel laureates and other significant scientific award recipients gathered at the renowned World Laureates Summit (WLS) 2026 in Dubai last month. Amongst them was Tony McNally, Professor in Nanocomposites and Director of the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick, who was one of 36 eminent scientists invited to participate in the event.

 When the industrial expertise of luxury automotive manufacturer JLR is combined with the academic excellence of Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), it creates a powerful platform for addressing some of the automotive sector’s most pressing challenges.

This collaborative approach shaped a recent Student Ideathon hosted by WMG, where participants were tasked with exploring innovative approaches to improving supply chain visibility.