The MSc in International Trade, Strategy, Operations (ITSO) course, at WMG, the University of Warwick, is collaborating with a series of key industrial partners to launch a new company-based dissertation for its students.

The new dissertation option was presented to students, at a special launch event, by WMG’s ITSO Course Director, Dr Di Li. At the event, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Strategy at WMG, Alok Choudhary spoke about the company-based dissertation projects with Supply Chain in Practice (SCiP) members. The students also heard from Assistant CEO at Rexville Solutions, Ms Shu Jia, on behalf of the industrial collaborative companies, who shared more details about current projects available this year.

The company-based projects are collaborative dissertations which allow students to work on real-life challenges facing industry. It provides another option for students when selecting their dissertation, and in turn helps to develop key skills and employment capabilities, whilst helping organisations to resolve their challenges via systematic research.

Ms Shu Jia, the CEO Assistant of Rexville Solutions, explains: “The company-based project is a great opportunity for our company to cooperate with WMG, and the talented students there, to employ the innovative methodologies for solving our practical problems. We are also very happy, and proud to provide opportunities and real data to the students to support their successes in academic studies and further careers.”

ITSO Master’s student Yawen Zheng comments: “I think the company-based project is a great opportunity for me as it enables me to engage in practical problem solutions in a real company, which must be a competitive experience when finding a job.”

ITSO student course representative, Danara Aldabergenova, says: “The launch event was very useful for postgraduates to clarify their dissertation projects. The company-based MSc project is an additional option for writing a dissertation, which differs from the conventional project. With the company-based MSc project, we will be able to understand the workflow and try ourselves in the real work area.”

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 represent a company who is interested in finding out more on company-based MSc projects, please email WMG’s Assistant Professor and ITSO Course Director, Dr Di Li, here: d.li@warwick.ac.uk.

· Nine bursaries awarded through Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme to increase number of engineers from underrepresented groups

· Awardees formally announced at a celebration event on Thursday 8 December at the University of Warwick.

- Nine bursaries awarded through the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme to increase the number of engineers from under represented groups.

Nine outstanding engineering students from the West Midlands have each been awarded a prestigious £15,000 bursary by the Royal Academy of Engineering to support their studies.

The bursaries, each worth £5000 a year for three years, have been awarded to students from underrepresented groups across the region who are progressing from A Levels or technical engineering qualifications to degree-level engineering courses in the 2022/23 academic year.

This year saw the highest number of applications submitted for the programme since its launch in March 2020. Following a competitive application process consisting of a written application and a panel interview, the nine awardees are:

· Aboulashif Riyaj Ahamed, studying aeronautical engineering at De Montfort University

· Casey Kuda Burke, studying civil engineering at the University of Salford

· Gurmandar Singh Loha, studying aerospace engineering at Coventry University

· Faith-Brian Mbahwum, studying mechanical engineering at Aston University

· Louie O’Sullivan, studying mechanical engineering at Birmingham City University

· Poya Sahak, studying aircraft maintenance engineering at Solihull College & University Centre

· Gopikrishna Santhuruban, studying aerospace engineering at Brunel University

· Dylendra Sooryamuyah, studying Meng Aerospace Engineering at the University of Bath

· Rahul Verma, studying electrical/electronic engineering at the University of Leeds

These substantial bursaries form part of the wider Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering in close partnership with WMG founded at the University of Warwick in 1980 by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya Kt CBE FREng FRS. The programme is funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The awardees were announced at a celebration event for the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme on Thursday 8 December at the University of Warwick.

The programme provides a comprehensive support package to a network of secondary schools and FE colleges across the West Midlands, with the aim of upskilling teachers and inspiring young people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), before supporting their progression into further and higher education and into engineering careers. The event on 8 December will be the first time since the programme’s launch that schools and colleges participating in the programme have been able to meet together in person to showcase their achievements over the past two academic years. The new cohort of bursary students will be able to meet previous awardees, as well as share their success with former teachers and inspire newer students attending on the day. They will also have a valuable chance to meet representatives from locally based engineering companies that are supporting the programme and learn more about future employment opportunities.

Dr Rhys Morgan, Director of Engineering and Education at the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “I am so impressed with these latest bursary winners. The engineering profession needs the creativity and innovation of a more diverse workforce and engineering businesses in the West Midlands know this as well as any in the UK. I am delighted that the Royal Academy of Engineering is helping to forge vital links between local companies and the talent they need now and in the future in order to thrive and to contribute to a vibrant regional economy and national prosperity.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, University of Warwick, said: “Engineering is such an exciting sector and very much in need of talented individuals. Now in its third year, the bursary scheme continues Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s legacy in education, expanding the commitment to making engineering accessible for all. I would like to extend my congratulations to the winners of this year’s bursary and wish them well in their studies.”

Applications for the fourth round of Lord Bhattacharyya Higher Education Bursaries will open in March 2023, for students enrolling at university in September 2023.

Notes for editors

1. More information about the nine awardees can be found here.

2. The Lord Bhattacharyya HE Bursary Scheme helps students at sixth forms, colleges and academies across the West Midlands prepare for degree-level engineering education. The funding available provides students from low-income households or under-represented communities with a pathway to higher education and therefore encourages the pursuit of careers in the sector. The Scheme not only drives diversity and inclusion throughout the engineering sector, but also ensures that talented students are equipped with the resources needed to develop the latest engineering skills required to access degree-level programmes and ultimately thrive in a fast-paced sector with lots of opportunities.

3. WMG, University of Warwick, is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.
As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.
WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.
An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.

A substantial gift of £1.5 million from TVS Motor Company will help create a crucial new Professorial post in WMG, University of Warwick - the Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education.

The gift celebrates TVS Motor Company’s close relationship with WMG and will continue the legacy of the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, enhancing WMG’s academic expertise in the understanding, development and teaching of engineering and manufacturing internationally.

The news was announced in Mumbai yesterday (Monday, 7 November) at a reception for University of Warwick graduates hosted by Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University.

Warwick has a close network of more than 5,500 alumni in India and is the most successful Russell Group university for recruiting students from India. This is Professor Croft’s first visit to the country for the purposes of encouraging support from alumni and friends for the University’s vision.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya sadly passed away on the 1 March, 2019. To celebrate his legacy in global manufacturing and innovation, the new Chair will drive forward innovations in research-led teaching and scholarship. Just as Professor Lord Bhattacharyya played a significant role in building relationships between India and the UK, the appointee will be responsible for establishing connections for UK higher education and WMG in Asia, particularly in India and Hong Kong.

This will include new ways to inspire young people from different backgrounds to pursue engineering careers through the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, and professional skills programmes delivered by the WMG Skills Centre, along with an opportunity to explore innovation in the higher education space more widely.

Sir Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata Sons, said he was delighted to hear about the gift.

“I deeply valued my friendship with Kumar and know the philanthropy of TVS Motor Company will continue his vison of creating innovative, engaging, and authentic learning opportunities for a diverse range of students. Strong industry links were so important for Kumar and it’s exciting that WMG is working closely in partnership with this prestigious motorcycle company.”

Mr Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company and Director of Tata Sons, said: “WMG excels because it has the momentum created by Kumar. It wouldn’t have happened without him, but it continues after him. Kumar always said a true legacy was an institution that does better after your time. We are delighted to make a gift that continues this ambition.”

Mr N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said: “Lord Bhattacharyya created a world class, leading-edge capability at WMG. The new Chair in Engineering Education will be a crucial addition to their academic leadership, ensuring the next generation of engineering leaders are inspired through the highest levels of teaching. I’m thrilled the Chair will also work to enhance international connections for both WMG and the University of Warwick.”

Warwick alumnus Professor Sir Ralf Speth (EngD Engineering, 2004-08), Chairman of TVS Motor Company, Director of Tata Sons, and former CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said:

“Kumar was very keen on creating top talents and innovative break-throughs. He liked curious, younger people. He believed in the powerful momentum resulting out of a special atmosphere of new technologies and curious, passionate talents.”

Mr Sudarshan Venu (MSc International Technology Management, 2010-12), Managing Director of TVS Motor Company, said: “I am grateful for having been mentored by Lord Bhattacharyya, who had a tremendous impact on me and taught me a lot about the global automotive industry. TVS has had a strong partnership with WMG covering the areas of education, research, and joint projects. We look forward to building on this in the future as well.”

In 2016, WMG was awarded a Regius Professorship in Manufacturing, which was bestowed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in recognition of the transformational contributions that Professor Lord Bhattacharyya made to UK manufacturing. The new role will complement the Regius Professorship and celebrate Lord Bhattacharyya’s impact on engineering and manufacturing internationally.

The Chair in Education role was initially established in 2021 thanks to a private philanthropic donation of £1.5 million, gifted by a Warwick alumnus. The additional gift from TVS Motor Company will help future-proof the post for generations to come and help the University achieve its goals for the Chair. The University intends to recruit for the role in 2023.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Warwick, said: “We are extremely grateful to TVS for making this generous gift to support WMG in enhancing and exceeding educational standards. The new role of Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education will continue Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s legacy, and help us thrive in connecting education, research and industry, setting up our graduates for successful futures.

“Warwick has a fantastic network of alumni in India, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to meet many of our graduates this week to explore how they can support the University’s vision for the future in the world’s largest democracy.”

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, University of Warwick, who is visiting India this week alongside Professor Croft, said: “We would like to thank TVS Motor Company for their generous gift. Their support will enable the new Lord Bhattacharyya Chair in Engineering Education role to preserve and expand Professor Lord Bhattacharyya’s pursuit of excellence in education, whilst further developing the relationships between our teaching and research.

“We anticipate that the successful appointee will further extend WMG’s teaching partnerships with industry and our international partners in Asia, enabling us to facilitate high quality and meaningful professional, international and intercultural learning opportunities that broaden the global perspectives of our students and provide the skills needed for current and future industry requirements.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

WMG, University of Warwick

WMG is a world leading research and education group, transforming organisations and driving innovation through a unique combination of collaborative research and development, and pioneering education programmes.

As an international role model for successful partnerships between academia and the private and public sectors, WMG develops advancements nationally and globally, in applied science, technology and engineering, to deliver real impact to economic growth, society and the environment.

WMG’s education programmes focus on lifelong learning of the brightest talent, from the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, degree apprenticeships, undergraduate and postgraduate, through to professional programmes.

An academic department of the University of Warwick, and a centre for the HVM Catapult, WMG was founded by the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development. Taking a partnership approach with Indian collaborators, aiming to understand their requirements from both technical and skills-based perspectives, means WMG provides a holistic approach to truly benefit industry and academia. This has led to long-term, valued relationships.

WMG engages with Indian industry and academic partners across the breadth of its research, including advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing, electrification, visualisation, and metrology. Routes to collaboration include tailored industry-facing skills courses, training industry-based Master’s students, collaborative PhD studentships, and joint research projects.

Highlights from TVS relationship:

- Two-year MSc by research programme delivered to TVS staff

- Joint EngD programme

- On-site delivery of short courses on electric vehicle technology

- Research and testing programme for automotive batteries and electrification

- Over 10 years of active partnership

Highlights from TATA relationship:

- WMG hosts the Tata Steel Professor of thermo-mechanical processing, Professor Claire David, who leads our engagement with TATA Steel

- WMG Catapult has a two-year programme with TATA Steel UK around advanced forming, welding, and coatings for steels

- WMG with TATA Steel UK and Swansea University form the EPSRC-funded SUSTAIN Future Manufacturing Hub, developing advanced route to greener, more sustainable, high-performing steels

- An EPSRC Prosperity Partnership project in which fundamental research is deployed to answer business-led challenges. The partnership is developing new routes for rapid alloy processing

- The European branch of TATA Steel is a co-partner in the National Automotive Innovation Centre with WMG and JLR – the centre, based at WMG, co-locates industry and academic partners to develop the research and skills base for pioneering future mobility solutions

Wider University of Warwick collaborations in India include a partnership with IIT Kharagpur designed to meet challenges of importance to the UK and India.

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 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.

Five of WMG, at the University of Warwick, Master’s courses have been recognised in the Eduniversal Best Masters Ranking 2022.

WMG’s Master’s courses in e-Business Management; Supply Chain and Logistics Management; Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Engineering Business Management retained their 2021 positions, as best in class in the UK, in their respective categories.

 In 2022, they have been joined by WMG’s Cyber Security Management Master’s programme, which ranks 1st in the UK in the newly established Cybersecurity, Systems Security and Data Protection category.

 · MSc Cyber Security Management - Number 1 in the UK and Number 2 globally in the Top 25 Master's for Cybersecurity, Systems Security and Data Protection.

 · MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship - Number 1 in the UK and Number 25 globally for Entrepreneurship.

 · MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management - Number 1 in the UK and Number 29 globally for Supply Chain and Logistics

 · MSc Engineering Business Management - Number 1 in the UK and Number 3 in Western Europe for Industrial and Operations Management

 · MSc e-Business Management - Number 1 in the UK and Number 5 in Western Europe for e-Business

Dr Harjinder Lallie, Discipline Group Lead for Cyber Security at WMG, at the University of Warwick, said: “It is wonderful that the MSc Cyber Security Management degree continues to receive recognition both nationally and globally. The course has an international reputation for excellent teaching, hands on practical experiences and superb post-study employment opportunities.”

Professor Dan Nunan, Associate Dean (Postgraduate) at WMG at the University of Warwick, added: “I am delighted that our specialist Master’s courses in applied engineering, management and technology continue to be globally recognised as a leading choice for students seeking to develop their careers. In every category where WMG courses are ranked they are rated #1 in the UK, and amongst the top in the world.”

Eduniversal Group is a global leader in higher education information, providing students worldwide with the tools to find the best education opportunities. Eduniversal publishes annual rankings of the best Master's programmes in 50 fields of study, covering 154 different countries within nine geographic zones. The ranked programmes come from more than 1,800 universities and schools.

WMG offers twelve Master’s courses across management, engineering, technology and innovation, all designed to meet the needs of global industry. Find out more here: WMG (University of Warwick) Full-time Master's (MSc) Programmes

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.”

Akzhunis Arystanbek, WMG Master’s in Supply Chain Logistics Management graduate, has won the Logistics Research Network Dissertation of the Year Award 2022 from the Charted Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

Akzhunis’s dissertation entitled “Implementation of Demand Sensing in Supply Chain Management” was nominated by Professor Dan Nunan, Director of full-time Postgraduate Programmes, at WMG at the University of Warwick.

The Awards are open to all UK students, and recognise outstanding dissertations at three levels – Bachelors, Master’s and PhD.

However, this year the panel of judges only awarded a prize in the Master’s category, with Akzhunis’s work being the only nomination that met the exceptional high standard required.

Akzhunis will be presented with her certificate and prize money at the Logistics Research Network Conference (LRN 2022) dinner and awards ceremony on the 8th September.

Alexa Kirkaldy, Associate Professor, at WMG, University of Warwick explains: “Akzhunis’s dissertation was nominated for this award, not only for its academic excellence, but also for the contemporary topic addressed which is essential to the future of world logistics and supply chain management.”

Akzhunis Arystanbek said: “It is a huge honour and pleasure for me to receive this award. My study involved an investigation into a very specialised area of supply chain management. When writing a dissertation, we all stand on the shoulders of giants.

“After graduating I moved on to continue my career in supply chain management at a metals and mining company in Kazakhstan.”

Akzhunis’s research was supervised by David Food, Industrial Fellow at WMG and Head of Supply Chain at Board International, who said: “Akzhunis was a thoroughly diligent and focussed researcher who delivered value and insight both through the creation of the data and in the interpretation of the results, delivering insights that would be commercially beneficial.”

Find out more about WMG’s Postgraduate Programmes here: WMG (University of Warwick) Full-time Master's (MSc) Programmes

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.