The Outreach Team, at WMG at the University of Warwick, is proud to have completed a decade of Royal Institution Engineering Masterclasses.

Over the past 10 years staff and students, from WMG, have supported 250 pupils from 45 schools across Warwickshire and the West Midlands. The Masterclasses have opened the eyes of young people to the excitement and value of engineering and, have in turn, inspired the next generation of scientists, mathematicians and engineers.

A special celebration event was held to mark the occasion with 2023 masterclass students and their families and teachers. At the event, University of Warwick alumna and award-winning engineer, Yewande Akinola delivered a key note before presenting certificates in a mini graduation ceremony.

Professor Margaret Low, WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation said: “WMG has supported the Ri with the masterclasses, since 2013, with workshops and activities that put our cutting-edge engineering research into context for young people. We even found a way to deliver the activities online during the pandemic.

“These experiences allow students to see how their school learning applies to complicated and world-changing technologies. Through our outreach programmes we hope to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, widen participation in higher education and make the STEM workforce more diverse.”

Mujthaba Ahtamad (Mosh), Senior Teaching Fellow at WMG, who worked alongside Professor Margaret Low on some of the original masterclass sessions, said: “With Margaret’s enthusiasm and motivation, she really brought everything together, including inspiring the teaching team. It was really evident that the attendees were very excited to attend the Masterclasses, (perhaps more so than attending school!).”

Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Co-ordinator at WMG added: “The Royal Institution is a prestigious organisation with a long history of being at the forefront of teaching science. Partnerships between universities in the local community, and the fact that these famous, royal-chartered groups are housed only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace, adds so much value to the student experience.

“This is not just an extra lesson that happens to be on a Saturday, this is an experience of just how far these students can go with their engineering talents. We hope that the students felt every bit of the prestige of both WMG and the Royal Institution.

“We would also like to thank the High Value Manufacturing Catapult who have supported these activities since 2019.”

Rachel Dorris, Clothworkers’ Fellow of Mathematics at the Royal Institution, said: “On behalf of the Royal Institution and the Masterclass team, I would like to congratulate you for successfully shepherding the Engineering Masterclasses at WMG to its 10th anniversary.

“We appreciate your hard work as an Ri collaborator - inspiring future generations within your community in the world of engineering.”

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach Programme here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

The MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO) course, at WMG at the University of Warwick is collaborating with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT) to provide students with access to key industrial opportunities and benefits.

The WMG ITSO course is the first accredited Master’s programme in the UK by the IOE&IT. It is a unique interdisciplinary course that integrates the most essential and closely associated pillars of international trade, strategy, and operations management within international business towards supplying compound talents for industries. Following the philosophy of research-informed teaching for practical implementation, the course also seeks industrial access and opportunities for students.

As part of the collaborative partnership an event was held recently introducing students to a new innovative way of learning and forging direct links between students and the IOE&IT.

At the event, Ms Helen Hastie Membership Development Manager from IOE&IT shared with the students information about professional memberships and the associated access to industry specialists and activities when studying ITSO. This helped students to improve their knowledge, skills, and opportunities for career development.

Ms Helen Hastie, explained: “International Trade offers a unique opportunity for development not only at a country-to-country level, but professionally. The WMG ITSO course is actualising the career opportunities for the next generation of international traders, and the IOE&IT is delighted to continue supporting this growth.”

ITSO student course representative, Shuyu Chen commented: “It brings lots of useful information for ITSO students and this event helped us to know how to use resourses effectively during our study process. Also, the event enhanced the connection between the IOE&IT and us.”

Danara Aldabergenova, also a ITSO student representative, added: “This event was very informative for students. I learned about our accredited body and our opportunities as students. Moreover, we can become full members of The Institute of Export and International Trade. It is an excellent opportunity for us students, and I am very proud to have such a chance.”

Find out more about WMG’s International Trade, Strategy and Operations Master’s Programme here: MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations | University of Warwick

If you have an enquiry about the ITSO course, please email WMG’s Assistant Professor and ITSO Course Director, Dr Di Li:d.li@warwick.ac.uk or wmgmasters@warwick.ac.uk

The University of Warwick is delighted to announce that Assistant Professor of Engineering, Fatemeh Shahbazi, is among the first members of the new UK Young Academy – a network of early career researchers and professionals established to help tackle local and global issues and promote meaningful change.

As part of the first cohort of 67 members, announced today (10 Jan) by UK and Ireland National Academies, Fatemeh Shahbazi will have the opportunity to help shape the strategy and focus of this new organisation, based on areas that matter to them.

Along with their fellow members from across academia, charity organisations and the private sector, they will have the chance to inform local and global policy discussions, galvanising their skills, knowledge, and experience to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing societies now and in the future.

The UK Young Academy has been established as an interdisciplinary collaboration with prestigious national academies: the Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy, Learned Society of Wales, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Irish Academy, Royal Society of Edinburgh, and the Royal Society. It joins the global initiative of Young Academies, with the UK Young Academy becoming the 50th to join the Young Academy movement.

Fatemeh Shahbazi, Assistant Professor in Engineering, said “I am honoured to be elected as one of the UK Young Academy members. Our main goal is to improve our world by contributing to decision making in the United Kingdom and globally.

I will be working towards the UN sustainable development goals, especially on health, wellbeing, and innovation. With the help of the Royal Society, I am very excited to bring leaders in this field together, hold special events and reach our goals faster.”
ENDS

Notes to Editors:

University of Warwick press office contact:

Bron Mills, Communications Officer: 07824540720. Email: bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk

A student from WMG, at the University of Warwick, has been recognised for his hard work by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Ezra Cunningham, who is employed by Jaguar Land Rover, has now completed the final year of his Applied Engineering Programme degree apprenticeship at WMG.

The IET Prize is awarded annually to outstanding students who are completing a course of study which has been accredited by the IET. Prize winners are nominated by their university based on having shown distinction in their course leading to the award of a first class degree.

As part of his win, Ezra will receive a certificate and two years free student membership of the IET.

Ezra Cunningham explains: “Thanks to the help of my lecturers, peers and colleagues at work, I have broadened my understanding of engineering. I’m looking forward to using this award to progress my career and target of studying an MBA in the next two years.”

WMG Associate Professor and Ezra’s mentor, Dr Tara Schiller adds: “I think it's a great achievement to come first in a cohort but to also achieve this award from the IET is well-deserved. I wish Ezra a wonderful future and look forward to following his career.”

Sir Julian Young, IET President, said: “Our IET Prizes are a terrific means for talented engineering students to be recognised for their outstanding ability in the early stages of their engineering journey. IET Membership provides early-career professionals with the valuable opportunity to connect with a global community, grow their networks and develop their technical knowledge.

“The IET is passionate about promoting engineering excellence and our awards and prizes showcase some of the finest engineering talent. All the winners should be justifiably proud of their achievements. I wish them all the best for a long, fulfilling and successful engineering career: they are all difference makers of the future!”

To find out more information about the range of prizes and awards available to young and aspiring engineers through the IET, please visit: www.theiet.org/awards

Find out more about WMG’s Degree Apprenticeships here: Degree Apprenticeships : WMG, University of Warwick

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.”

WMG, at the University of Warwick, is committed to supporting a variety of undergraduate student projects with connections to industry partners.

Each student project is supported and supervised by WMG Precision Engineer Dave Cooper, who has a background working for Honda Racing, and Lead Engineer Malcolm Swain, who specialises in electric vehicle battery technology.

The projects also engage with WMG PhD students; academics; technicians and industry sponsors. Students gain valuable practical and project management skills by being assigned an area of responsibility, from engineering and technical lead to marketing and sales support.

The student-led projects help to develop time and management skills; teamwork; and give practical hands-on experience.

While WMG provides some seed funding, it is the responsibility of the students to secure sponsors and funding, learning valuable networking, negotiation, sales and partnership skills along the way.

2022 student project teams

The Warwick Racing team entered the IMeche Formula Student Concept Class event at Silverstone to assess their new concept for an in-house built chassis. The judges, including an engineer from Mercedes F1 chassis team, were very positive about its ease of manufacture, lightweight, functionality, recyclability and cost saving design. The team is now developing the chassis based on the judges’ feedback to test its feasibility in the next electric racing car.

The Warwick Racing Business team was awarded second place for its business presentation out of 51 top global universities. The event follows a similar format to Dragon's Den, with the students developing a business idea, plan and model for producing the electric racing car to sell. This is an extremely challenging event and the team have high hopes to win first place next year.

In the Warwick Moto team, student technical lead Nesta Ferguson, was awarded the Best Dissertation Project Award, by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, and recognised as a runner-up in the Engineering Undergraduate Innovation Award category. The Team’s research outputs were also accepted for publication by the flagship ICALEO conference and then promoted to the Journal of Laser Applications. Aneesh Jois, who also played a leading role in the Warwick Moto team, won Institution Best Student on the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor’s degree for academic achievement. Aneesh highlighted how invaluable his Warwick Moto project experience has been in learning how to design components for use in the real world and enabling him to achieve higher grades in application-based engineering modules.

The Warwick Robotics team worked with Dr Rachel Edwards, in the Department of Physics at the University of Warwick, to develop two wall climbing robots which perform Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on steel structures such as storage tanks and wind turbine towers. The twin robots work in tandem carrying an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), one with the receiver and one with the transmitter. To achieve the best results quickly the two robots must climb the structures with the transmitter and receiver aligned with each other at various distances apart. The students designed, built and tested a system that did this automatically in real-time using high resolution cameras and fiducial markers achieving +/-0.45degree accuracy. This will revolutionise industrial applications of NDT where this was considered not viable in the past.

Lee-Rose Jordan, Project Manager at WMG, University of Warwick explained: “These projects are a great example of how students can develop valuable hands-on engineering knowledge and skills, standing them in good stead as they embark on their chosen careers in some of the most esteemed companies in the world. This year, for example, some of our students have gone on to work at Delta Cosworth, Williams Advanced Engineering, McLaren Applied, Triumph, Alpine F1 and Mercedes.”

Find out more about the student projects here: Student Led Projects (warwick.ac.uk)

The Warwick Submarine team, which consists of seven 4th year engineering students at the University of Warwick, has successfully completed the European International Submarine Races (eISR-22) in Gosport.

The student team raced their human powered submarine, against other science and marine engineering students from across the world. The submarine, named Godiva picked up two awards – the ‘Winner Day 5’ and a new award for best ‘Communication.’

The team was able to complete the whole slalom course at the Ocean Basin, and record a very respectable time of three minutes and 56 seconds. This is the first time that Godiva has achieved this since its very first entry at ISR in the USA in 2014. This impressive progress led to Godiva receiving the ‘Winner Day 5’ recognition.

The ‘Communication’ prize was judged by a group of school children who attended the races and met with the competitors. The children felt that the Warwick Sub team were the best at explaining the complexities of the project and notably without ‘talking-down’ to them.

The Warwick Submarine Academic Supervisor at WMG, University of Warwick, Professor Ian Tuersley, said: “The students were a real credit to the University, and their performance as practical engineers was very impressive”.

“The competition invariably involves a great deal of on-the-spot problem solving. Every single member of our team contributed handsomely to this effort by identifying the issues, generating innovative solutions, and then implementing them with only the barest of workshop resources to hand.”

In preparation for the competition, the students had access to cutting-edge engineering research and facilities at WMG at the University of Warwick, as well as funding from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and help from sponsors.

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, at WMG, University of Warwick, explained: “Well done to this year’s team on their achievements at e-ISR-22. We are now beginning the planning process for next year’s competition, and are looking forward to supporting a new group of students as they look to design and manufacture a new hull from composite materials. With the help of our team, they will gain indispensable hands-on practical engineering skills, at our world leading facilities.”

After arriving back from eISR-22 there was more good news for the team, as they were announced as winners of the inaugural Warwick Award for Public and Community Engagement (WAPCE), by the Warwick Institute for Engagement (WIE).

Professor Tuersley added: “It’s another fantastic achievement and provides further evidence of the team’s commitment to outreach and engagement activities.”

Find out more about the University’s student projects here.

Staff from WMG, at the University of Warwick, were proud to support the EY Foundation’s Beyond Your Limits employability programme, helping care-experienced young people with their future careers.

The new partnership between Warwick, led by the University’s Social Inclusion Group, and the EY Foundation has been made possible with funding through a UKRI Higher Education Innovation Fund.

Beyond Your Limits aims to develop key skills that are essential for helping young people reach their true potential as they take their first steps into a career, apprenticeship, or further education. A total of eight young people enrolled on the 2021/22 programme with the University of Warwick.

Part of the programme required the young people to take part in a workplace experience, so the Social Inclusion Group worked to align the young people with departments that would support their career aspirations and interests.

The Beyond Your Limits programme has been specifically designed for care-experienced young people in education, aged 16-19. On the programme they receive paid employability training, work experience placements, a personal development grant, a business mentor and progression coach.

Three of the eight students were allocated to a WMG Research Fellow, Dr Craig Carnegie, who acted as a business host, providing five and a half days of structured work experience, facility tours and opportunities to network within WMG.

Craig explained: “I created tailored individual programmes for the students; taking into account their personal interests of aerospace, manufacturing and photography. They completed the various tasks on campus during the Easter and May school holidays. This project gave them the opportunity to experience real world research and engineering, at a time when they are choosing their paths to take for their future careers.

“It was a very rewarding experience, and although the placements have now finished, I’m still available for contact if they need support with job applications, helping them to improve their employability and professional networks. They were a remarkable group of young people, and I am looking forward to seeing what they go on to achieve in the future.”

Professor Margaret Low, WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, explained: “Craig’s contribution to this project will have made a marked impact on these young people. It is so important that universities provide role models and support to the people who will make up the workforce of the future to ensure that science and engineering roles are accessible to people from all backgrounds. Thanks to Craig’s efforts with the EY Foundation WMG has been able to further support widening participation in higher education.

“We hope to be able to work with the EY Foundation and Warwick’s Social Inclusion Group again in the future."

Read more WMG Outreach news here: Public engagement and Outreach (warwick.ac.uk)

Professor Gill Cooke has been appointed as the new Pro-Dean (Education) at WMG, University of Warwick, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from both academia and industry.

Professor Cooke joins WMG from the School of Engineering, where she was Head of Teaching for almost six years. Prior to that she spent many years in various teaching and management roles at Coventry University including Associate Dean.

Gill left school at 16 to embark on an Engineering Technician Apprenticeship at Dunlop Aviation in Coventry. After completing her apprenticeship Gill qualified as a Quality Engineer working at Dunlop Aviation, Alvis Aerospace, and Jones and Shipman.

At WMG, Gill will develop and oversee the department’s strong education portfolio from undergraduate degrees and degree apprenticeships; to postgraduate degrees; overseas programmes; and professional education courses at the WMG Skills Centre, focusing on both the quality of the provision and the student experience.

Professor Cooke comments: “I’m incredibly passionate about apprenticeships and developing skills. I firmly believe that companies need diverse workforces that represent an inclusive society.

“Industrial demand for new skills and emerging talent is high. Companies are constantly looking to develop solutions to the complex challenges facing society, the economy and the environment. Now more than ever, bridging the gap between academia and industry is crucial in providing a student educational experience that meets industry needs.

“WMG’s approach to bridging this gap resonates strongly with me, and I’m really excited to be joining the team.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG comments: “Gill’s appointment is an important step forward for WMG’s Education work. Her student centred and creative approach to learning and teaching will help guide the department as it seeks to enable learners from a diverse range of contexts to realise their aspirations. Gill is also passionate about the development of her colleagues and I am sure they will all benefit from her leadership.”

Find out more about WMG’s education programmes here: Education (warwick.ac.uk)

On Friday (27th May), Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, at the University of Warwick, was pleased to welcome representatives from the Zambian Government.

A total of five delegates led by the Minister of Education, Hon. Douglas Siakalima, enjoyed a tour of WMG’s world-class research and education facilities. Mr Siakalima was joined by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Joel Kamoko; Director at the National Science Centre at the Ministry of Education, Dr Benson Banda; Director at the British Council Zambia, David Pardoe; and Acting Zambian High Commissioner to the UK, Patricia Chanda.

The tour began in the International Manufacturing Centre (IMC) where the guests had a chance to see student engineering projects, before Professor Paul Jennings, Pro-Dean (Research) introduced WMG’s 3xD Simulator for Intelligent Vehicles – the world's first immersive, simulated environment for smart and connected vehicles.

The delegation was then given a guided tour of the Degree Apprenticeship Centre, by Professor Robin Clark. The new Centre helps to bridge the skills gap by providing apprentices with the opportunity to study on degree programmes to develop the skills needed by advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: “It was an honour to meet Mr Siakalima and his colleagues, and to demonstrate how we are helping to drive technology, engineering and manufacturing forward through impactful research and innovative approaches to education.

“The ability of an organisation to equip its workforce with relevant skills will largely determine how well it responds to rapidly evolving requirements. By welcoming the Zambian Government, we were able to share best practices around skills provisions with a view to maximising societal, economic and environmental opportunity for future generations.”

Finally, the delegation visited the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) where Chief Engineer, Mark Amor-Segan demonstrated the facilities used to research, develop and test the latest technologies at the forefront of energy storage including electric vehicles. Professor James Marco, Head of the Energy Directorate, and Professor Daniel Branch (Co-Academic Director, Africa in the International Relations and Strategy Group at Warwick) also joined the tour and subsequent discussion.