Summer success for student-led projects
Thursday 30 July 2026
Summer success for student-led projects
From showdowns at the iconic Silverstone racing track to history-making moments, the past few months have been ones to remember for Student Projects teamsLink opens in a new window at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of Warwick.
WMG's Student Projects equip undergraduate students from a range of disciplines with practical, hands-on experience across a range of projects from cyber security to Agri-Tech, robotics to superbike development. This summer, Warwick RacingLink opens in a new window and Warwick SubmarineLink opens in a new window put their skills to the test at two of Europe's major student competitions, showcasing WMG and Warwick's engineering expertise on the world's stage.
People-powered innovation
29 June–10 July 2026 saw the return of the biennial European International Submarine Races (eISR)Link opens in a new window, which challenge university students to design, build, and race human-powered submarines against the clock on an out-and-back grand slalom course.
The team navigated the depths of QuinetiQ's Ocean Basin facilityLink opens in a new window with Godiva VII — a ground-breaking sustainable submarine with an entirely modular design — in collaboration with the Adelaide University Submarine TeamLink opens in a new window.
Not only did they win the eISR Innovation Prize for their modular 3D-printed polylactic acid hull, but they also qualified for a special racing day at the end of the competition — the second British team to do so in a decade.
“These achievements are a testament to the team’s work ethic and drive to win, proving that Warwick’s engineers have what it takes to be competitive on the global stage", says Ben Winter, Warwick Submarine Captain and MEng Mechanical Engineering Link opens in a new windowstudent.
"Through determination and outstanding teamwork, we have further solidified Warwick Submarine’s legacy as the British team with the most wins in human-powered submarine racing history. We couldn’t have achieved any of this without the kindness and generosity of WMG, the School of Engineering, and all our wonderful sponsors who allow us to make Warwick Submarine the best it can be.
Silverstone showdowns
A highlight of the Student Projects event calendar is Formula Student, "Europe's most established educational engineering competitionLink opens in a new window".
Hosted by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the competition sees over 100 university teams design and create a car fit to grace the track at Silverstone, the legendary home of the British Grand Prix.
In this year's competition (15–19 July 2026), Warwick Racing sped to success with their electric vehicle WRe5, which was launched earlier in July at WMG's National Automotive and Innovation Centre, the team's most refined model to date.
With a full carbon sleeve, 10-inch magnesium alloy wheels, a fully redesigned suspension and corner package, and a custom-made Vehicle Control Unit for greater vehicle behaviour control, WRe5 saw Warwick Racing overtake the competition at Silverstone.
The team secured 2nd place in the acceleration category and 9th place overall. It also placed 8th and 9th in the sprint and skid pad categories respectively.
"This is the best Formula Student result we've had in years", said Dr James MeredithLink opens in a new window, Project Director for Student Projects and Chief Engineer. "The team produced a simple, lightweight, rapid, and reliable car that completed all events, including the endurance.
"It was also very close to winning the acceleration event, highlighting the quality of our EV powertrain. Congratulations to all the students and staff who worked incredibly hard to make this possible".
Warwick Racing's AI Team also took to the track to compete in Formula Student AI (FS-AI). Mirroring the main Formula Student competition, FS-AI focuses on fully autonomous vehicles and showcases the future potential of motorsport when engineers and computer scientists combine their talents.
Celebrating success
“It’s been fantastic to watch all our Student Projects teams thrive this year”, said Professor Kerry KirwanLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG. “Their success demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity, and a desire to push the boundaries; they’re a true credit to the WMG and wider University community and represent the best of engineering in action."
This sentiment is echoed by Student Projects Principal Investigator, Professor David GreenwoodLink opens in a new window, who is also Director for Industrial Engagement and CEO of the WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult: “WMG and the High Value Manufacturing CatapultLink opens in a new window support our Student Projects first and foremost to develop the next generation of engineers we need for industry.
"Whilst the technical accomplishments and competition success have been fantastic again this year, what we are most proud of is the quality and employability of the students who deliver them. Many of our alumni have gone on to senior and responsible positions in UK manufacturing, and cite their Student Project experience as having been formative in their career.”
Find out more about student-led projects at WMG: Student ProjectsLink opens in a new window