Departmental news
New pilot facility to drive agricultural innovation
Earlier this year the UK Government recognised agri-tech, in its Industrial Strategy, as a key frontier industry within Advanced Manufacturing.
The recognition marks a pivotal shift by the government - acknowledging the sector’s potential to drive growth, enhance productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and reduce agricultural emissions - while prioritising a sustainable and secure food supply for the UK.
This also aligns with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) new food strategy for England, to tackle UK food resilience and enhance supply chains, while protecting nature and biodiversity.
Warwick Agri-Tech, established in 2022, is a pioneering initiative that brings together the expertise of two leading University of Warwick departments – WMG and the School of Life Sciences. By integrating advanced engineering with plant science, the initiative aims to shape the future of agriculture.
As part of this mission, Warwick Agri-Tech has launched a new Pilot Facility featuring state-of-the-art robotics designed to support sustainable food production and accelerate agricultural innovation.
WMG welcomes India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
The UK and India signed the landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) on Thursday 24 July, to foster greater research and scientific collaboration between the two nations. Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, and Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, share their thoughts on the deal.
Nurturing international relationships: CII visits WMG
WMG at University of Warwick was proud to welcome the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) last month.
Comprising over 20 representatives from some of India’s leading companies and education institutions, the Confederation was welcomed by Dean of WMG, Professor Robin Clark, before being introduced to Warwick by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Stuart Croft. Talks and presentations by some of WMG’s leading academics followed, showcasing the depth and breadth of WMG’s diverse activities, plus its research and key strengths.
Championing future engineering talent
The Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme has been inspiring young people to learn about engineering and the rewarding careers it offers since 2020. Five years on, schools and colleges from the West Midlands have come together to celebrate its impact.
Led by the Royal Academy of Engineering in close partnership with WMG, University of Warwick, the Lord Bhattacharyya Engineering Education Programme provides a comprehensive package of engineering-focused science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) support. This includes grants to schools and colleges; teacher networking and CPD opportunities; funded industrial secondments; and individual FE and HE student scholarships.
WMG Professor appointed to Science and Technology Advisory Council
WMG’s Professor David Greenwood has been appointed as the independent co-chair of the Science and Technology Advisory Council (STAC), to the Department for Energy Security and Net ZeroLink opens in a new window (DESNZ), alongside Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Paul Monks.Link opens in a new window
The role of the council, compromising 16 members selected through an open and competitive process, is to provide independent and academically sound scientific and technical advice to DESNZ and its Secretary of State through the Chief Scientific Advisor.
It will also offer independent viewpoints and cutting-edge research on topics from climate science, energy networks and engineering, to the latest technologies and artificial intelligence.
WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre welcomes Executive Chair of Innovate UK
Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC) Centre at WMG, University of Warwick, was delighted to welcome Tom Adeyoola – Executive Chair of Innovate UK – on Tuesday 1 July, as part of his tour of the UK’s Catapult Network.
WMG welcomes Binghamton University researchers as part of US-UK academic agreement
Professor Louis PiperLink opens in a new window from WMG, University of Warwick, was pleased to welcome representatives from Binghamton UniversityLink opens in a new window (USA).
This visit was an opportunity to showcase WMG’s world-class facilities and explore future collaborations.
Professor of Battery Innovation and Research Head of the Battery Materials & Cells group at WMG, Louis Piper explained: “Both WMG and Binghamton University are unique in their respective countries with industry-aligned pilot lines and prototype battery manufacturing and recycling capabilities.
“Both institutions are continuing to increase capabilities and facilities. For instance, WMG has recently upgraded its coating and cell assembly kit as part of the £12m Advanced Manufacturing Battery Industrialisation Centre (AMBIC).”
New Industrial Strategy welcomed by experts
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) recognised as focus for battery innovation to improve UK economic resilience
Experts at the University of Warwick welcome the government’s new Industrial Strategy, announced today.
“The industrial strategy will be welcomed our partners in manufacturing,” said Greg Clark, Executive Chair of Warwick Innovation District*. “In having the confidence to choose particular sectors in which to invest over the long-term, the strategy sets out a roadmap that will secure the future of industries vital to the UK economy. We look forward to playing our part, here at the University of Warwick, in supporting its successful implementation.”
Dean of WMG visits China
Professor Robin ClarkLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, Dean of WMG, visited China recently to strengthen connections and explore new opportunities.
During his trip he attended The University of Warwick’s offer holder event in Beijing, engaging with nearly 300 prospective students and their parents.
He also met with leadership at Beijing City University (BCU)Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window and visited East China University of Science (ECUST) in Shanghai – a long-term partner of WMG. On the research side, Professor Clark spent time strengthening partnerships with Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JIITRI), the National Innovation Centre par Excellence (NICE) and industrial partner Pujing Chemicals.
New educational opportunities were also explored in alignment with the University’s strategy, through collaborations with institutions such as the highly ranked Fudan University.
US-UK trade deal expert comment
Professor David GreenwoodLink opens in a new window, CEO WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director for Industrial Engagement, comments on the US-UK trade deal and the impact on the automotive industry.
“This reduction in tariffs will be welcome news to our partners in the automotive industry and their extensive supply chains. As home to JLRLink opens in a new window and Aston MartinLink opens in a new window (amongst others) - two of the biggest and most profitable UK exporters of premium vehicles to the US – the West Midlands is particularly sensitive to any tariffs on the automotive sector.
“This reduced tariff means that manufacturers in the region can have greater confidence in continuing production here in the UK. It will also be a relief to the extensive supply chains that exist here, particularly for our SME community, which will benefit from much greater certainty and stability. Whereas the previous 27.5% tariffs would likely have led to structural changes in the industry, a 10% rate can be more feasibly absorbed by a combination of cost reduction, margin reduction and price increase.
“The 100,000 car export quota approximately matches current levels of vehicle exports to the US; historically export numbers have been much higher, so we would hope for opportunity for that figure to increase over time as the deal shows benefits for both sides.”