WMG at the University of Warwick has demonstrated its intentions to continue delivering industrially-informed research and education by bolstering its expertise and appointing Dr Alex Mouzakitis, Programme Director for Cyber Security at Jaguar Land Rover, as an Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems.

The new role has been awarded to Dr Mouzakitis in recognition of an influential 20-year career at Jaguar Land Rover, within which he has been leading collaborative multi-million-pound research and development projects and helping shape industrially relevant education across automotive machine learning, software development, architectural systems and cyber security with WMG since 2006.

The main objective of the Industrial Professorship is to bridge industry and academia, helping industrialise academic research approaches and shape education to help Jaguar Land Rover adopt the latest talent and technologies within its operations and product line.

As part of his new role, Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering lectures, defining agendas, addressing skills gaps and future needs for training, supporting bids for collaborative research projects, supervising PhD students and featuring on WMG advisory panels.

Commenting on the Industrial Professorship, Dr Mouzakitis said:

“It’s a privilege and an honour to receive the appointment. This is recognition for the work that I have done fully-hearted over the past 20 years, and this motivates me for the next 20 years. This also carries a level of responsibility to do more going forward as part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Creators’ Code to deliver modern luxury through exceptional engineering. I’ve had an active working relationship with WMG for over 16 years and look forward to continuing this relationship to help prepare for and respond to future skills needs throughout the automotive industry.

“We need to produce graduates that are better equipped to take on industrial jobs from day one, without the need to retrain. I will be addressing this and exploring what we can do to close this skills gap. If we are to retain and add to the volume and quality of manufacturing in the UK, whilst remaining competitive globally, we need skills.”

Since achieving a PhD in ‘Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Autonomous Vehicles’ at the University of Wales (now known as the University of South Wales) in 2002, and later achieving an EngD (Title: Innovative Solutions for Automotive Embedded Software Development) at WMG, University of Warwick, Dr Mouzakitis has published over 135 academic papers across international journals and conferences and has also been actively contributing to the creation and delivery of MSc programme content.

Dr Mouzakitis is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the IET and InstMC engineering institutions. He is a member of Industrial Advisory Panels across several international conferences, a member of the InstMC System and Control Technology Panel, the InstMC National Council and the InstMC Accreditation Panel.  

Thomas Müller, Executive Director of Product Engineering at Jaguar Land Rover, commented:

“I want to say a big congratulations to Alex. Not only is it a great personal achievement, but it is also hugely significant for Jaguar Land Rover. This appointment will help us to bridge the gap between industry and academia, something that is increasingly important as we continue to Reimagine and become a proud creator of modern luxury.”

Dr Mouzakitis has affiliations and collaborative research relationships with other internationally-renowned academic institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Harvard University, University of Oxford, MIT Media Lab, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, University College London, University of Surrey, University of Edinburgh, Heriot Watt University, Loughborough University and Cranfield University. In addition, Dr Mouzakitis has featured as an external examiner for Masters and Doctoral level awards.

Professor Paul Jennings, Pro Dean (Research) at WMG, University of Warwick, has been collaborating with Dr Mouzakitis since 2006, and also mentored the newly-appointed Industrial Professor as part of his EngD. Commenting on the appointment, Professor Jennings said:

“This Industrial Professorship is recognition of Dr Mouzakitis’ significant achievements across systems engineering within industry. The award also acknowledges impressive academic contributions as a mark of quality and rigour across research and education.

“We will now further tap into Dr Mouzakitis’ extensive knowledge, experience and insights in the industry, and work together to ensure that our research and education programmes continue to be leading edge and are tuned to the requirements of a fast-changing industry as we move to electrified, connected and automated mobility.”

Dr Mouzakitis will be delivering his inaugural lecture as Industrial Professor of Automotive Systems at WMG, University of Warwick later this year.

Find out more about Dr Mouzakitis here.

ENDS

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 Kumar Bhattacharyya in 1980 to help reinvigorate UK manufacturing and improve competitiveness through innovation and skills development.

Congratulations to the incredible Class of 2022 as they celebrate their graduation.

This year a total of 321 Master’s, Postgraduate Research and Undergraduate students graduated from across WMG.

There were 269 Master’s students comprising 156 UK and 89 overseas full-time students, and a further 24 from the part-time Master’s programme.

From the Undergraduate courses, 30 graduated from BSc Cyber Security and two from Digital Healthcare Science.

There were a further 20 from the Postgraduate Research programme including six EngD, 13 PhD and one Master’s by Research.

Celebrations were extra special this year because, as well as celebrating the success of the Class of 2022, it was also an opportunity for graduates whose original ceremonies were postponed, due to Covid-19, to celebrate.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: “It is always a pleasure to recognise the achievements of our students, and graduation is the culmination of all their hard work under the guidance of the teaching staff.

“It is especially important this year as all the students graduating have had parts of their education journey impacted by the pandemic. To deal with this and demonstrate the resilience and commitment to study is truly commendable. Very well done to everyone and congratulations on your award!”

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

Great student satisfaction in Warwick Chemistry as we score 88.5% overall satisfaction in NSS and top the Russell Group for Student Voice once again.

Warwick Chemistry is now offering three Master's course that are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Read moreLink opens in a new window

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.

WMG’s Dr Greg Gibbons has been awarded the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA).

Senior Fellowship of SFHEA is an advanced level of professional standing that evidences expertise in teaching and learning in higher education.

Dr Gibbons said: “I am extremely pleased to have been awarded Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). It is recognition of my understanding and use of effective approaches to teaching and learning support, and my contribution to providing high quality student learning within WMG.”

Dr Gibbons is responsible for the mentoring of student projects within the field of Additive Layer Manufacturing (ALM) processing of materials (metals, ceramics and polymers), at undergraduate, master’s and postgraduate level.

Read more about Dr Gibbons career and expertise here: WMG :: Our People :: Profile (warwick.ac.uk

WMG, at the University of Warwick, has appointed Dr Alok Choudhary as its new Professor of Supply Chain Management and Head of Supply Chain Group.

Dr Choudhary, who joined WMG earlier this month, brings a wealth of knowledge after more than a decade of working in supply chain management and logistics at Sheffield University Management School, and more recently as a Professor of Supply Chain Management at Loughborough University’s School of Business and Economics.

Alok comments: “I am excited to contribute to the success of a world-leading institution that is a powerhouse for creating research-led impact and developing innovative solutions for many industrial and societal challenges.

“More than ever before, innovation and transformation are needed to tackle some of the pressing global supply chain challenges we face today including sustainability, Net Zero, risk and digital transformation.

“I’m looking forward to leading WMG’s Supply Chain Group and collaborating with our industry partners and colleagues from across the University, to make a step-change in addressing these challenges.”

Alok served as a panel member of REF2021 Subpanel "Business and Management" as one of the only two operations and supply chain management experts. Most recently, Professor Choudhary worked with Midlands Engine and Energy Research Accelerator to develop the UK Midlands pan-regional green growth plan.

He has led and contributed to several projects funded by EPSRC, ESRC, European Union, RED and the British council with specific focus areas including Sustainability (including ESG issues, Decarbonisation and Circular Economy), Resilience and Digital Transformation in the supply chain. Dr Choudhary has served as a Guest Editor at many journals, as well as authoring and co-authoring over 100 research publications including over 55 for international journals.

He was a Visiting Faculty at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Ivey School of Business; Vienna University of Economics and Business, and a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Business School. He has also served as a scientific committee member, session chair and keynote speaker at several international conferences and delivered guest lectures at many universities across the world.

Find out more about WMG’s Supply Chain Group here.

Kanishka Arumugam, WMG MSc Engineering Business Management alumnus, has been recognised at the prestigious Global Pump Industry Awards.

Kanishka, who graduated in 2015, is Co-CEO of EKKI WATER TECHNOLOGIES in India. Kanishka and EKKI were recognised in two categories at the ceremony, in Kenilworth, organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA) along with leading European pump industry members.

The Pump Industry Awards (PIA) is not only one of the most prestigious, but also one of the oldest and most revered in the world. The Awards aim to recognise outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and skills. EKKI is the first Indian company to be recognised in two categories.

EKKI was recognised as a key contributor for skills and training in the industry through its EKKI International Water Technology Centres (EIWTC). EIWTC is a global centre of excellence for training, research and entrepreneurship in pumps and water related technologies, partnering with leading industries, government and academic institutions globally.

Kanishka was also acknowledged as a ‘Rising Star,’ for his significant contribution in transforming the fortunes of his family business, EKKI, from making agriculture pumps to cutting-edge water technologies around the world. He is credited for setting up India’s first waste water joint venture with German Pump major HOMA which has a presence in more than 120 countries across the world.

Kanishka Arumugam said: "We at EKKI are immensely proud to be recognised internationally for our innovative initiatives within the industry. This recognition from the world’s most respected and important members of the Pump Industry, recognises the true success and potential of EKKI.

“At EKKI, we are really passionate about producing globally competitive products from India and make EKKI as one of the most respected family-owned companies from this part of the world.

“WMG at the University of Warwick, taught me the importance of applied academia, and I was very fortunate to be mentored by Professor Sujit Banerji who taught us to make global quality. Professor Banerji has recently been appointed as a Chief Advisor to EKKI and continues to mentor us, which is of immense value to both me personally and the company.”

He added: “I dedicate this recognition to my father our Group Founder Mr.Arumugam.P, members of EKKI, our partner HOMA in Germany, distributors, dealers and supply chain partners across the globe.

“I would also like to thank my alma mater, Warwick University, for fostering in me the art of applied academia in industry.”

Commenting on this prestigious European recognition, EKKI’s German partner Mr. Hans Hoffmann, CEO of HOMA said: “EKKI is seen as one among the fastest growing water tech companies in India and globally. EKKI as a company has proved to a German partner like us that they are full of potential with extraordinary quality and capable of designing and producing highly competitive products, with impressive profits.

“Kanishka Arumugam is one of the most successful young executives we have in the industry. Backed by his strong academic background from Oxford and Warwick he is an intellectually curious young leader who is ready to pause, to reflect, seize new opportunities, and create an impact in the water industry.”

Arumugam.P, Group CEO and Founder said: "EKKI serves as a role-model for all our other companies within the group. By this distinguished recognition, it has once again led the way. I could not be any prouder, because I know that no one is more capable of leading EKKI successfully into a sustainable and digital future than Kanishka.”

Calling all Year 10 Science Teachers from any type of school, anywhere in the UK! Why not enter your pupils into the National Scientific Thinking ChallengeLink opens in a new window?