On 28^th November, WMG hosted a research development conference with a North America focus, indicative of Warwick’s commitment to building collaborations in this area. Over 50 academics and researchers attended from across Warwick’s Science Faculty to consider various funding options to support increased engagement in North America.

Sarah Wilson from WMG’s Research Office shared insights from a recent visit to Washington DC and delegates heard from Brendan Vickers, Innovate UK’s Partnership Manager for North America, who explained the Innovate UK structure and strategy, and gave an insight into potential future funding calls in this space.

Warwick academics across the university work closely with counterparts in leading higher education institutions, industry partners and funding bodies across North America on a wide variety of projects. Several were invited to share their collaboration experiences, including Darren Hughes who has worked at US National Laboratories, Alon Ratner who visited National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Sandra Chapman who detailed the benefits of her Fulbright Scholarship to her space weather research, and Matthew Higgins, from WMG’s Intelligent Vehicles team, who explained more about the 5G Technology research project with National Instruments.

Professor Carsten Maple, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (North America) is leading the institution’s strategy in North America and believes that this event is a crucial springboard to increase the depth and breadth of Warwick’s collaborations in the region;

We are committed to building mutually beneficial international collaborations and partnerships with the business community and other sectors. We are working to extend and deepen our relationships with partners in North America, and to pursue opportunities for funding, student mobility, and research and teaching collaboration.

We would like to invite any colleagues who are currently working with partners in North America, or who are keen to develop links in these areas, to get in touch. It is important that we join together as an institution to make the most of our connections to maximise our existing collaborations and unlock future opportunities.”