Departmental news

Engineers and students at WMG at The University of Warwick are working on a hydrogen-powered car fuelled by sewage, in a project entitled Waste2Race. The hydrogen is a byproduct of water treatment technology, from Wastewater Fuels, being trialled at Severn Trent Water, and with it the team at the University are hoping to break records for hydrogen fuelled cars.

Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, and WMG at the University of Warwick have launched a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to apply new technologies to the development of the company’s flexible pipe systems.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. This KTP project was funded by UKRI through Innovate UK.

The Figiel Research Team from WMG’s International Institute for Nanocomposite Manufacturing (IINM), was awarded Innovate UK funding to apply Multiphysics modelling tools that will assist in developing context-aware pipe designs and analysis processes. This research will make material use more efficient, resulting in increased pipeline suitability, reliability and safety, whilst maintaining performance and structural integrity.

Through the use of Multiphysics modelling, Baker Hughes is expected to be able to more accurately predict the coupling between permeation of gases and fluids and the mechanical response of their flexible pipe systems, which are used extensively in floating production systems.

This research will also aid in the development of products to meet the world’s energy transition requirements, including carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen delivery. This work will position the UK as a global leader in the provision of products needed to supply clean energy.

Baker Hughes flexible pipe systems product line employs more than 500 people in the North East of England. This project is expected to result in more efficient manufacturing processes for the company that reduce waste and carbon intensity.

Dr. Soheil Bazazzadeh has been appointed by the university to carry out the project with supervision by WMG engineer Jack Davis and academic leadership from Dr. Lukasz Figiel, Reader at WMG. Soheil’s background includes a doctorate in aerospace engineering and three separate research fellowships, including at the University of Warwick.

WMG’s Jack Davis and Dr Lukasz Figiel say:

"This collaboration will further enhance WMG’s strong academic expertise in the field of Predictive Multiphysics Modelling of advanced engineering materials. In addition, the project will give us the opportunity to continue to build future partnerships in emerging fields such as hydrogen transport."

Dr. Angelos Mintzas, principal engineer at Baker Hughes and technical lead for New Product Introduction programmes says:

“This work has the potential to significantly enhance Baker Hughes’ design capabilities, enabling more efficient use of materials whilst keeping our focus on product reliability and safety. This collaboration is aligned with Baker Hughes commitment for 50% reduction of our CO2 emissions by 2030 and becoming a net-zero business by 2050.”

Ian Blakemore, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Advisor for this project, says:

"This project is a prime example of the impact that Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can have. By bringing together forward-thinking businesses and the academic expertise of the UK’s world class universities, we can tackle real world challenges in new ways."

Analysis of homemade 3D printed assault rifles at WMG at The University of Warwick has helped convict a criminal in a ground-breaking case.

Several homemade 3D printed guns were seized by West Midlands PoliceLink opens in a new window at the home of David Biddell-Portman in December 2020 as part of Operation Captiva, a Police response designed to reduce firearm deaths across greater Birmingham.

Professor Mark WilliamsLink opens in a new window, an expert in 3D printing and scanning at WMG was called in by West Midlands Police. His 3D scanning machines are 100 times more powerful than a hospital CAT scanner and can view images in detail smaller than a human hair.

By using his cutting-edge technology to scan the weapons, Mark was able to discover the amounts of metal and plastic in each of the weapons. This is achieved by analysing the different densities of the materials.

This crucial evidence helped prove that these homemade guns would be working and potentially deadly weapons. It also showed the levels of sophistication, effort and premeditation that went into the construction of the guns.

This evidence was crucial in securing a conviction, with the defendant receiving a five-year sentence.

Professor Mark Williams said: “It’s satisfying to see justice served, and I’m glad to use our technology in any way we can to help the efforts of West Midlands Police.

“By making this sort of technology available to the public sector, we’re ensuring it’s not just big companies that have access to cutting edge techniques.

“A dangerous criminal is now off the streets thanks to the efforts of West Midlands Police, and I look forward to our continuing work with them.”

By scanning the guns, police ensured that the judge and jury were aware of the extensive use of metal in the weapons – a sure sign that, when completed, they would have been working and potentially deadly weapons.

It also meant that the state of the guns was recorded if they deteriorated during test firing of the weapons by police, something that often occurs with 3D printed guns. The scanning also ensured that the police, judge and jury could understand the evidence surrounding the weapons.

For many, 3D printed weapons have never been encountered before, and are often irregular and defy categorisation due to their black market, homemade construction. With the scans, police could identify the closest professionally made weapons and make comparisons.

Michelle Painter, Deputy Head of Forensics at West Midlands Police commented: “This partnership is invaluable to West Midlands Police, the strength and commitment is truly unique and the boundaries are limitless.

“The application of the use of Micro CT scanning in criminal cases continues to be innovative and ground-breaking and progresses investigations and brings justice for victims.”

The conviction is the latest success in the decade long partnership between Professor Williams, WMG, Warwick and West Midlands Police. They recently marked a milestone, with the scanning technology having been used in over 300 casesLink opens in a new window since 2014.

The full paper on the case can be read hereLink opens in a new window.

Read more about WMG’s Centre for Imaging, Metrology, and Additive Technologies (CIMAT) here: Metrology and 3D Imaging (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window 

WMG, at The University of Warwick, has launched the world’s first online platform that enables the public to influence the development of Automated Vehicle (AV) safety.

Safety Pool Studio is a driving scenario creation platform for the public to design road scenarios based on their real-life experiences or expectations during the introduction of AVs. The platform aims to empower the public to become part of the safety discussions, making the process more inclusive and accessible.

The Automated Vehicles Act is now law in the United Kingdom, and AVs could be on the roads as soon as 2026. However, nearly half of UK motorists still do not trust this technology because of safety concerns[1]. This online platform opens a conversation for future users to define and reimagine the safety of AV deployment.

Innovation is key to improving our roads, and it’s great to see WMG, at The University of Warwick backing our vision for safer motoring,” said Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, Department for Transport. “I’m delighted that this pioneering platform will address the questions and concerns people have about Automated Vehicles and enable them to challenge developers to address the real issues they face on our roads. Public engagement will improve understanding of these new technologies and give people the confidence to use AVs when they hit our roads after 2026.”

The platform accounts for different driving styles, types of road layouts, and the movements of vehicles and pedestrians are available on Safety Pool™ Studio. Users from anywhere in the world can tailor-make road-driving scenarios for AVs based on their geographical locations, cultures, and daily practices (in their own languages). Users can also check and trial their scenarios through instant play on the platform.

‘‘The public and the future technology users are paramount to Automated Vehicles’ development and deployment in the UK. By launching Safety Pool™ Studio, our ambition is to democratise safety by prioritising the public’s voices in this new technology, where users can share their expectations and understanding of the safety of AV,” explained Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, the University of Warwick.

“Safety Pool™ Studio also addresses the needs of other stakeholders in the AV ecosystem like developers, incident investigators and insurers, by enabling them to better capture road scenarios during the post-deployment phase of AVs. We strongly believe by doing so, AV deployment will be more inclusive and relevant to our real-world experiences and everybody’s lives.’’

All these captured scenarios can then be used for virtual testing by the AV ecosystem to test the safety of their systems. Capturing the public’s expectations and real-world incidents enables engineers to replicate potential road situations and assess their products’ safe and timely response to road incidents as part of post-deployment monitoring of the AVs. “We welcome this initiative,” said Steve Gooding, Director, RAC Foundation. “The more we understand about the expectations, uncertainties and concerns that people have about AVs the better the chances of those issues being picked up and addressed in the design process for AV development and adoption, that’s why engaging the public is so important and that’s why making it easier for them to do so really matters.

“It is appropriate that an approach aimed at engaging the public in the development and deployment of new technology should itself be using technology as the basis for that engagement, and we encourage everyone to give it a try.”

Organisations wishing to work with the research and Safety Pool™ Studio can contact SafeAutonomy@warwick.ac.uk or visit https://safetypoolstudio.ai

Two Professors at WMG at the University of Warwick have been elected as Fellows of the prestigious Royal Academy of EngineeringLink opens in a new window.

Professor Claire DavisLink opens in a new window, Head of Advanced Steel Research Centre; and Professor Mark WilliamsLink opens in a new window, Head of the Metrology and Visualisation Research Group, at WMG, have been elected as part of a group of 71 leading figures in the field of engineering and technology.

The group consists of 60 Fellows, six International Fellows and five Honorary Fellows, each of whom has made exceptional contributions to their own sector.

Each Fellow has been involved in pioneering new innovations, leading progress in business or academia, providing high level advice to government, or promoting wider understanding of engineering and technology.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London on 27 November, when each Fellow will sign the roll book.

In joining the Fellowship, they will lend their unique capabilities to achieving the Academy’s overarching strategic goal to harness the power of engineering to create a sustainable society and an inclusive economy for all.

Professor Davis said: “I am very honoured to have been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. It is an exciting and dynamic time for the global steel industry and I look forward to working with the Royal Academy in promoting clean technologies for the future.”

Professor Mark Williams said: “I’m honoured to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and am extremely grateful to colleagues across the country who have seen fit to elect me.

“It’s a long way from my time as an apprentice to the Royal Academy. I’d like to thank my colleagues at Warwick who have supported me over my career here and look forward to working with the other Fellows.”

Dr John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, says: “Our new Fellows represent some of the most talented people in the world of engineering and are taken from the ranks of those who are aiming to address some of our most critical problems.

“We are proud to say that many of our newly elected Fellows have come from underrepresented groups in engineering and related sectors and we hope this helps to tackle some of the issues around a lack of diversity within the profession.

“There is ample evidence that a wider pool of ideas and experiences helps to improve decision-making and develop novel solutions to global challenges.”

See the complete list of Fellows elected here: Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows 2024 (raeng.org.uk)Link opens in a new window 

WMG at the University of Warwick and WayveLink opens in a new window, a leader in Embodied AI for autonomous driving, have launched the DriveSafeAI microsite - a dedicated platform to share insights, research, and tools focused on AI safety assurance in assisted and automated driving technology.

The new microsite, Drive-Safe.aiLink opens in a new window, is part of the broader DriveSafeAI initiative and serves as a hub for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers. Through this platform, Wayve and WMG will share information about novel safety validation methods to give regulators confidence in AI used in assisted and automated vehicles (AV). DriveSafeAI focuses on four pillars of technical AI safety assurance, covering scenario generation, architecture, model evaluation, and sim validation.

The DriveSafeAI projectLink opens in a new window is part of the Centre for Connected and Automated Vehicles’ (CCAV)

Commercialising CAM Supply Chain Competition (CCAMSC). This programme, aimed at advancing connected and automated mobility (CAM), is funded by CCAV - a joint initiative between the Department for Business and TradeLink opens in a new window, and the Department for TransportLink opens in a new window. It is delivered in partnership with Innovate UKLink opens in a new window and ZenzicLink opens in a new window.

Dr Sarah Gates, Director of Public Policy, Wayve explained: “Regulators need to have confidence in how AI is used in assisted and automated driving, which is why we need clear safety validation methods. DriveSafeAI is a model for developing evidenced-based safety frameworks that can build regulator and stakeholder confidence, driving innovation while ensuring the highest safety standards. This balanced approach enables safe technology development that will lead to safer roads and a more robust global AV market.”

Professor Siddartha KhastgirLink opens in a new window, Head of Safe Autonomy, WMG, the University of Warwick said: “The use of AI in safety-critical applications like automated driving poses a huge challenge for the automotive industry. Solving this requires broad collaboration between industry, academia, and policymakers. Through DriveSafeAI, partnering with a leading embodied AI organisation like Wayve, WMG can create a robust and novel safety approach to AI while enabling scalability and innovation. We are generating the scientific evidence to underpin industry-wide standards and international regulations for the safety of AI, building confidence in the AV ecosystem.”

Wayve and WMG remain committed to advancing automated driving through rigorous safety protocols and transparent research. Over the next year, the partners will regularly update the microsite with new findings as they progress their research.

For more information and to follow updates on this project, visit Link opens in a new windowhttps://drive-safe.ai/Link opens in a new window.

WMG at the University of Warwick is hosting Micromobility UK, on Wednesday 18th September, at the Oculus building located on the Warwick campus. This will be the largest in-person conference, in the UK, focussing purely on micromobility.

Sponsored by NatWest, the event will also showcase the Clean Transport Accelerator – a programme supporting businesses to develop products and services to help address the UK’s net-zero goals.

Visitors can expect to see a jam-packed agenda with speakers on topics such as last-mile logistics; accessibility and inclusion; battery safety and future e-scooter regulations.

Discussions will also be held around making towns and cities safer for all micromobility, from scooters to larger cargo vehicles.

Expert speakers include:

• Julian Scriven, Managing Director, Brompton Bike Hire

• Katie Miller-White, Transport Innovation Coordinator, Transport for West Midlands

• Caz Conneller, Director of Community and Culture, Loud Mobility

• Adam Norris, Founder, Pure Electric

• Peter Eland, Technical Manager, The Bicycle Association of Great Britain

• Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director of Policy, Logistics UK

• Robin Haycock, Chief Technology Officer, Fernhay

• Kay Inckle, Campaigns and Policy Manager, Wheels for Wellbeing

• Andrew Bradley, Net Zero & Transport Lead, NHS

• George Beard, Head of New Mobility, TRL

• Lizzie Gaden, E-Scooter Trial Stakeholder & Contracts Manager, Transport for London

• Shayan Yaghoobi, Engineering Lead, Office for Product Safety and Standards, DBT

• Kevin Savage, COO, Delivery Mates

• Alfie Brierley, Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Motor Cycle Industry Association

• Rob Hill, Fire Investigation Officer, London Fire Brigade

• Phil Ellis, Cofounder, Beryl

• Mark Riley, Delivery Design Manager, Royal Mail

Exhibitors include Composite Braiding, if.vehicles, Ebco, Bo Mobility, MTD Ltd, AlsoBikes, DOCK-Y, Warwick University Science Park, Eskuta, Spokesafe, Komodo Bikes, Business Growth West Midlands, Maeving, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Transport for West Midlands and Beryl. There will also be live demos and the chance to trial micromobility vehicles around a dedicated route.

Professor David GreenwoodLink opens in a new window, Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG and CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult at WMG, said, “We are absolutely delighted to host the 4th annual Micromobility UK conference.

“This year is going to be an important one for micromobility. We now have a new government and feel optimistic that we will see new policies around micromobility enabling the sector to really flourish.”

To register for the event visit: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/news-and-events/events/micromobilityuk/Link opens in a new window 

WMG at the University of Warwick has been working with primary schools across Coventry to inspire children and ignite their passion for STEM through its Stitch in Time project, supported by HVM Catapult and funded by STEM Learning.

Stitch in Time is built around the freely available software Turtlestitch, and takes inspiration from Coventry’s historic textile industries.

Turtlestitch teaches computing, maths, and design and technology, with students producing code that then controls a digital embroidery machine to stitch unique patterns into fabric.

WMG’s Outreach team and STEM Learning Ambassadors worked with teachers of year 5 and year 6 children to deliver a series of lessons and challenges , to create embroidery designs by using computer programming.

A total of seven schools and 480 students participated in the project which ran from May 2024 to July 2024.

Professor Margaret Low, Director of Outreach and Widening Participation at WMG explained: “Thanks to the support of STEM Learning, we were able to deliver the Stitch in Time project again. The STEM Ambassadors, Chrissy, Jasleen, Ramona and Shabeer were key to the success of the project, working in collaboration with school teachers. The children created a fantastic range of different designs, and I’d encourage everyone to visit the display at Coventry Transport Museum to see the creativity of the children.

"The funding from STEM Learning, and STEM Ambassadors enabled us to work with these schools to deliver the project."

Each school, supported by WMG STEM Ambassadors, has now produced a beautiful and colourful display on a variety of individual themes. Alongside the display, Gauri Verma, WMG Project Officer became the “Manufacturer in Residence”, running some taster sessions for visitors to the museum in August.

The Stitch in Time exhibition will be on display at the Coventry Transport Museum until December.

Find out more about WMG’s Outreach programmes here: Outreach and Widening Participation (warwick.ac.uk)

WMG at the University of Warwick, Innovate UK (IUK) and advanced recycler of plastics Mura Technology are to continue their collaboration on sustainability with a new IUK funded, two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

WMG will develop operational sustainability models for Mura’s Hydro-PRT advanced plastic recycling technology to identify opportunities for further improvements to the already sector-leading environmental performance of the process. Mura has already identified an annual carbon emissions saving of 40,000 tonnes at the first Hydro-PRT site in Wilton, Teesside, due to commence operations in 2024.

Mura Technology is an advanced recycler of waste plastics, producing fossil-equivalent oils from post-use, mixed, multi-layered flexible and rigid plastics for the petrochemicals industry to create virgin-grade plastics, such as for use in food packaging. Mura's patented, innovative next generation processing technology, Hydro-PRT, produces high quality chemicals and oils with sector-leading sustainability attributes, creating a low carbon and circular model for a range of stakeholders working with polymers.

The company's first commercial scale plant, at Wilton, Teesside, will become the world's largest advanced recycling plant when it commences operations later this year, with two further plants being built under licence with partners in South Korea and Japan, expected to come online by the end of 2024. Driven by increasing regulation on plastic waste, Mura has a global growth ambition for more than 1.5 million tonnes of recycling capacity in operation or development by 2032.

WMG will create a modelling platform that will operationalise sustainability at all future Mura project sites, including Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), to demonstrate transparently how Hydro-PRT meets environmental requirements. The platform will be used to educate and inform stakeholders including global regulators, policy makers and the plastics value chain on the low carbon potential of
Hydro-PRT.

The KTP is the continuation of the IUK Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging research partnership, where Reader of Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing at WMG, University of Warwick, Dr Stuart Coles successfully developed and published Life Cycle Analysis models, independent of Mura, for the Hydro-PRT process and the UK waste plastic recycling ecosystem. Dr Coles will also be the academic lead on this project.

Simon Broome Innovation Manager at WMG, University of Warwick, who co-wrote the application for the project, said: “I was blown away by the potential of this project to transform the process for recycling contaminated waste plastic. The team are highly committed and have already demonstrated impressive growth on their journey to make real sustainability gains in this important material sector.”

Mura’s Head of Sustainability and R&D, Dr Geoff Brighty, said: “Continuing the collaboration with WMG is critically important to bring this new science into our core business operation. Hydro-PRT has sector leading sustainability credentials, but every prospective site will be unique, influenced by the local energy grid, plant configurations as well as its material supply chain. The KTP project models will inform options appraisals and decision making, ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our global growth programme.”

For more information on developing a Knowledge Transfer Partnership application with WMG, contact wmgsme@warwick.ac.uk

For more information on WMG’s research in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing visit: Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group (warwick.ac.uk)

WMG at the University of Warwick's commitment to widening participation and fostering inclusivity took centre stage during a week-long work experience programme, aimed at inspiring local students to pursue a career in engineering.

The initiative was organised by WMG’s Outreach team and the University's Widening Participation Team to support under-represented students that might lack confidence or support when they consider a future in engineering. The High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s Inspiring Young Engineers project, which delivers engaging opportunities to students who might not otherwise have experienced the subject, also supported the week.

Throughout the programme, participants were mentored by WMG staff who provided valuable insights into various engineering pathways, research and careers.

Tours of the engineering facilities showed what research at a university is like - from battery development in the Energy Innovation Centre and automotive technology in the National Automotive Innovation Centre, to studying for an engineering degree at the School of Engineering.

The WMG Outreach Team also worked alongside colleagues from the University’s Creative Arts department who organised an arts-focused work experience programme to run at the same time.

The programme concluded in a celebration showcase where the students, from both the arts and engineering teams, presented their work to parents, carers, teachers and University staff, including the Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart Croft.

Reflecting on the programme, WMG’s Widening Participation Co-ordinator, Dr Phil Jemmett, said: “We ran this event last year with the support of the University’s Widening Participation team and immediately thought that we could scale this up, and share the model with a wider group.

“We are delighted to have had the Creative Arts stream on board because it shows how different skillsets and expertise is needed to create solutions that will actually benefit people. I’m proud to have been able to give young students an experience of how collaboration really happens.

“Throughout the week we’ve had ups and downs, challenges and successes – but that is what engineering is really like! Nothing works the first time, so the students have had to learn problem solving and resilience. I couldn’t have been happier to see all six projects from the engineering stream up and running at the final showcase – what’s more each one of them had elements and decisions devised by the students themselves.

“They have all grown in their abilities and confidence, and I hope that they take that confidence back with them to their studies, and future careers.”

This year’s programme follows the mission statement of the 2023 event, but with the addition of creative arts: “The University of Warwick's initiative reflects its dedication to providing equal opportunities in engineering and creative arts education. By empowering less privileged local students and challenging misconceptions about the subjects, they are nurturing a diverse talent pool that will shape the future of engineering and creative arts.”

The event was supported by a host of staff and student ambassadors including Phil Jemmett; Margaret Low; Caroline Cannon; Marie Diebolt; Alex Band; Bruce Guild; Megan Clement; Robin George; Harry Gillions; Liv Griffiths; Martin Hill; Myles Ing; Karen Kudar; Samuel Leo; Zarin Miah; Ihsan Muhaddisoglu; Umair Paracha; Bradley Peirce; Adam Rich; Shawon Shanto; Elizbieta Titis; Jingyi Zhao; Caroline Cannon; Gauri Verma; Oksana Trushkevych; Bill Crofts; Richard Carney; Vidya Narayanan; Bradley Pierce; Laura Copland; Jay Carter; Paul Philipson; and the WMG Facilities team.

Find out more about WMG's Outreach programme here: Outreach and Widening Participation (warwick.ac.uk)