糖心TV

鈥楶ersonalised鈥� hip replacement surgery might be just what the doctor ordered for people with hip arthritis – according to new research. Using advanced technology from other industries such as automotive and manufacturing, researchers are driving medical advancement.

The result is tailored hip replacements, as each person moves their hips in slightly different ways. At the moment, replacements are based on a 鈥榥ormal鈥� hip rather than being specifically designed for the patient.

In the study by WMG at The University of 糖心TV, in collaboration with University Hospitals Coventry and 糖心TVshire (UHCW) NHS Trust and Corin Group, researchers revealed this pioneering approach to hip replacements could improve patient outcomes and surgery success rates.

More than 100,000 people in the UK undergo hip replacements each year, – commonly due to arthritis, a disease of the joints which causes significant pain.

The new study analysed longstanding problems in hip replacement surgery: on the specific range of motion needed in a replacement and how the value of the personalised surgery could be calculated before any operation.

In the study, Lead Researcher Dr Arnab Palit, Assistant Professor at WMG at The University of 糖心TV, and his team combined real-life and computer models to compare simulated and real hip motions.

This demonstrated that certain hip motions can be easily and accurately calculated using state-of-the-art computer simulations based on CT scans of the patient鈥檚 hip joint, closely mirroring real hip motions.

This advancement could enable surgeons to plan hip surgeries based on patient-specific target hip motions, rather than relying on population norms or arbitrary 'normal' values. This personalised approach is particularly valuable for patients who do not fall within these average values, ensuring that pre-surgical planning is truly individualised and likely to be more effective.

Using these tailor-made hip replacements could improve the success of operations, making them 鈥榬ight at the first time鈥�. Surgeons may be able to put the artificial hip in just the right spot based on the pre-operatively calculated personified target hip motion.

This could reduce the chances of any clinical problems later on, minimising the risk of revision surgery. This will also help to improve the recovery time of patients, while also reducing additional costs and labour to the NHS.

Dr Palit said: 鈥淭his research shows a big step forward in hip replacement planning. By using computer simulations based on a patient's hip shape from CT scans, we can predict certain hip movements accurately. During surgery, these predicted movements can guide them to place implants in the best positions for each patient.

鈥淪o, instead of using average measurements, we're customising the surgery to fit each person perfectly, leading better surgery. Further research will be necessary to fully explore its potential to utilise it for NHS patients.鈥�

Professor Richard King, Clinical Orthopaedic Surgeon at UHCW and the clinical lead of the project, commented: 鈥淭he hip replacement has been called 鈥榯he operation of the century鈥�.

鈥淎s surgeons, we are constantly looking to make it better and more reliable. This work we have done with WMG could help us to do exactly this, by showing us how to tailor the operation precisely for each individual patient.鈥�

Dr Christopher Plaskos, Vice President, Global Clinical Innovation at Corin Group added: 鈥淐orin is proud to support this research aimed at predicting the true range of clinical motion of a hip joint from pre-operative CT and hip motion simulation. It鈥檚 research like this that will shape the future of hip planning, leading to truly personalised hip replacement.鈥�

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 scanning capabilities here: Metrology and 3D Imaging (warwick.ac.uk)

Dean of WMG, Professor Robin Clark; International Partnerships Manager, Nicole Craddock-Zhang; and International Academic Director – China, Dr Dawei Lu, travelled to China recently for a series of high-profile meetings with key representatives from higher education, industry and government.

The trip was a crucial part of WMG鈥檚 strategy to help future collaboration and drive innovation in the country.

Professor Clark and his team met with representatives from (Shanghai Operation) and , where they discussed further collaboration on both education programmes and research initiatives. They then headed to the to explore student entrepreneurship programmes.

Meetings also took place with GAO Yingzhong, Director General, at the , where industry opportunities in the province were explored.

While in Zhejiang, constructive meetings were also held with , China鈥檚 largest privately owned automotive company. Here Professor Clark and representatives from Geely Holdings discussed opportunities to support the company鈥檚 Automotive Engineering Institute.

Finally, there was the opportunity to re-connect with WMG alumni and hear more about their careers and business ventures post-graduation.

Commenting on the trip, Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: 鈥淚t was great to return to Shanghai, Nanjing and Hangzhou after the pandemic. We strengthened WMG鈥檚 relationship with higher education partners, industries as well as government agencies that support our strategies.

鈥淚 was particularly pleased to be able to meet the alumni communities too, their enthusiasm was infectious. They were glad to see us, and they have proven to be great ambassadors in the industries they now work in, continuing to make an impact as part of the WMG vision.鈥�

It was a pleasure to welcome Rachmat Kaimuddin, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transportation of the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment Republic of Indonesia; and HE Dr Desra Percaya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to the UK; to WMG at the University of 糖心TV on Monday (24th June).

Rachmat Kaimuddin and HE Dr Desra Percaya, were invited by Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; and Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, Director of Client and 糖心TV Development (Southeast Asia).

 The adoption and transition to transport electrification has become high on the agenda in Indonesia, and the guests were particularly interested to hear more about WMG鈥檚 work in entrepreneurship and innovation as well as it鈥檚 Clean Transport Accelerator programme and electrification research projects.

 The visitors also had the opportunity to meet with Dita Amry, MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship Deputy Course Director; James Black, Principal Engineer on the Clean Transport Accelerator programme; and Simon Webb, Chief Technology Officer. 

After the meeting, the guests were given a guided tour of the National Automotive Innovation Centre (NAIC) and the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) where they chatted to researchers and engineers tackling real-life industry problems. 

Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, WMG鈥檚 Director of Client and 糖心TV Development (Southeast Asia) said: "We were honoured to host Deputy Coordinating Minister Rachmat Kaimuddin and Ambassador Dr. Desra Percaya. Their visit underscores the growing importance of transport electrification in Indonesia and highlights the potential for collaborative innovation between our institutions. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership holds for advancing clean transport technologies and entrepreneurship."

Deputy Coordinating Minister, Rachmat Kaimuddin felt that the session was informative and helpful in providing a comprehensive understanding of WMG.

He said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to fostering friendship going forward and seeing how we can best collaborate.鈥� In closing, Ambassador Desra also shared a similar expectation for concrete cooperation with WMG and relevant stakeholders to support energy transition efforts in Indonesia.

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 research here: Research Areas (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window

The University of 糖心TV is shedding the light on a distinguished battery researcher this .

Dr Melanie Loveridge, Reader in Battery Materials and Cells at WMG at The University of 糖心TV, is also committed to improving the inclusivity of women and minority groups in her area of work. Her research focuses on lithium-ion batteries, helping to power net zero and a more sustainable world.

Dr Loveridge said: 鈥淭he first lithium-ion batteries were used in small Sony cameras, now we are relying on them to power electric vehicles. We need much bigger sources of power to last longer, which has been a significant challenge.

鈥淚 conduct forensic analysis of batteries to help understand how they degrade over time, which is really important in knowing how to improve the way we manufacture them. Understanding why batteries fail is crucial, as the world shifts to more sustainable energy sources.

鈥淢y team uses specialised equipment such as electron microscopy, Xray based characterisation and mapping chemical elements in materials to look at the components within batteries under high magnification. Battery forensics needs a huge orchestra of highly sophisticated techniques.鈥�

Starting her career in the industry, Dr Loveridge became fascinated with the science of batteries and decided to pursue an academic role to learn more. This has led to her publishing over 40 academic papers.

With over 15 years鈥� experience in academia, she has also given evidence from for her research specialisms for influential panels such as the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee and The Shadow Cabinet鈥檚 Round Table on Energy Storage.

Dr Loveridge added: 鈥淢y research area is such a multidisciplinary field. I can interact with engineers and scientists from across many academic disciplines and industry partners, which is not commonplace in a lot of academic circles. It鈥檚 amazing to collaborate with lots of different people.鈥�

Alongside her academic achievements, Dr Loveridge champions equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in her work. She has recently been appointed as Associate Dean of Research – where she is supporting an enhancing culture project funded by The University of 糖心TV, on a survey-led initiative with an aim to understand the challenges and barriers faced by minority groups and women in leading STEM-based research.

鈥淔ortunately, lots of the funders I work with, such as the Faraday Institute, really value diversity and inclusion; we now have to show how we have outlined commitments to EDI in all of our grant applications. I think the gender imbalance in senior roles will change, but this will take time.

"As part of my EDI role, I鈥檓 also trying to make the working environment more inclusive, particularly for special interest groups. I find this really rewarding.鈥�

By championing sustainable research, such as Dr Loveridge鈥檚 vital work on batteries, The University of 糖心TV is committed to creating a more sustainable world. Its Strategy 2030 sets out five key sustainability pathways to follow, including achieving Net Zero carbon emissions from scopes 1 and 2 by 2030, and scope 3 by 2050.

Find out more about Dr Loveridge鈥檚 research here: Battery Materials and Cells Group - WMG (warwick.ac.uk)

Dr Harjinder Lallie, Associate Professor (Cyber Security) at WMG at the University of 糖心TV explain: 鈥淭he London cyber attack demonstrates the importance of cyber defences and proper back up plans, especially in organisations where it really can be a matter of life or death, like the NHS. With hospitals now having to resort to paper records in the wake of the attack, we must seriously weigh up the costs of defending ourselves versus the cost of doing nothing and accepting these attacks from hostile actors.

鈥淲ith these attacks often able to manipulate our data as well as hold it to ransom, our most private data – such as our health records – must be protected more closely. To leave the medical information of patients out there without proper cyber security defence is the equivalent of leaving the files on a park bench or on a train. We must invest more in our own defences if we don鈥檛 want to see these types of attacks repeated time and again.鈥�

WMG at the University of 糖心TV is proud to be an active partner in Coventry City Council鈥檚 pioneering digital recycling scheme, the #CovConnects Device Bank.

The project, which is part of the Council鈥檚 Digital Inclusion programme and supported by the Cities Climate Change Strategy, was launched on principles of circular economy by reusing and repairing end of corporate life devices which are then distributed to local communities.

The Council was awarded the funding following a successful application to the Time after Time fund. The fund was created and is distributed by Hubbub and Virgin Media O2, and looks to fund projects that help to close the digital divide while reducing electronic waste.

Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources at Coventry City Council, said: 鈥淥ur #CovConnects programme is all about making sure none of our residents are digitally excluded. That鈥檚 why I鈥檓 delighted we鈥檝e won this funding.

鈥淭his money will allow us to expand our efforts and get more of these devices into the hands of the most vulnerable. Having your own device, which you can use every day, is something that has the potential to completely transform your life.

鈥淭his project is a true partnership with the NHS, WMG and other partners across the city. Together we can make Coventry truly digitally inclusive.鈥�

Dr Russ Hall, WMG鈥檚 Lead for Circular Economy and Sustainable Manufacturing at the University of 糖心TV, and Chair of the Coventry City Climate Change Board Circular Pathway, added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 really important to be a part of this fantastic scheme. We want to research the reuse, remanufacture and recycling of digital equipment. This is a great example of where sustainable practices like circular economy can address societal issues like digital poverty, and we want to do all we can to help it flourish and grow. It has real environmental benefits as part of the circular economy and can play a vital role in overcoming digital exclusion.鈥�

Digital Recycling is a key element within the Council鈥檚 Climate Change Strategy. Dr Russ Hall and Friya Tailor from WMG, are working with colleagues from the Council to evaluate the environmental benefits of the project. The research will in turn be shared nationally enabling other organisations to learn from the scheme.

To find out more about the #CovConnects programme, visit:

Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub established the Time After Time fund in 2022 in response to the nation鈥檚 growing e-waste problem, with the UK producing more electrical waste per person than any other country in the world (except for Norway).

#CovConnects was selected as one of eight winners from more than 120 entries by a panel of judges including TV presenter and environmentalist George Clarke, non-profit, Material Focus, digital inclusion charity, Good Things Foundation, plus Hubbub and Virgin Media O2.

Find out more about Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing research at WMG here: Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing Group (warwick.ac.uk)

WMG at the University of 糖心TV and have used powerful X-ray scanning equipment to uncover the secrets of how the structure of biscuits, which is essential for the perfect 鈥榗runch鈥�, forms.

The discoveries have been released to mark this Wednesday, 29th May. Biscuits are the UK鈥檚 favourite sweet treat, with the average person in the UK eating around .

WMG researchers scanned biscuits in a bespoke oven as they baked, imaging the inside of the biscuit to reveal how the porous structure, essential for the perfect 鈥榗runch鈥�, forms during the baking process.

Associate Professor at WMG鈥檚 Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies, Jay Warnett, said that this was just the beginning for the technology:

鈥淛oining forces with Cadbury, we're cracking the code to the perfect biscuit. Through our X-rays, we're helping uncover the ideal baking time, thickness, and recipe for the ultimate eating experience鈥�.

鈥淏ut our research doesn't stop there; we're diving deeper into the world of biscuits and baked food and hope to continue working with Cadbury for a long time to come鈥�.

Researchers at WMG, who were approached by Cadbury, constructed an oven from scratch inside an X-ray CT scanner – a similar machine to what you might find in a hospital.

Using the latest algorithms, the imaging process was sped up to scan the biscuit every 20 seconds throughout the baking process. When put together, the WMG and Cadbury teams could observe the biscuit baking over time.

Principal Scientist at Cadbury, Thomas Curwen, is excited for the future of biscuit development:

鈥淭he latest algorithms have allowed us to watch and quantify the baking process inside the biscuit in greater detail than ever before. This capability will help us determine the function of different ingredients in more detail and how the structure that forms controls the eating experience. I am excited by what we can learn and how this will help us deliver the great tasting biscuits of the future.鈥�

The research process, which was led by Dr Warnett and Research Fellow Dr Evelien Zwanenburg, has proved the concept possible, and is therefore likely to be the first step before a larger project later this year.

This future work aims to extend the work across other biscuit varieties and baked goods.

According to the , WMG at the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations (ITSO) programme has been rated 16th in the world and 3rd in the UK in terms of trade education.

The ITSO programme has also been identified by QS as one of the top two specialist trade courses in the world.

The highly prestigious QS rankings evaluate courses on six key indicators: Trade Programme; Graduate Outcomes; Industry Engagement; Innovative Teaching; Reputation; and Research.

Professor Dan Nunan, Associate Dean (Postgraduate Education), at WMG said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to see WMG has, once again, been ranked amongst the leading providers in the world for international trade education. This recognition is a true testament to our incredible community of staff and students here at WMG, and the many industry partners who contribute to the design of our courses.鈥�

Dr Di Li, Course Director for the ITSO at WMG, said 鈥淭he MSc ITSO programme is an interdisciplinary course that integrates the three principal pillars of international trade, strategy, and operations management within global trade and business management. Students learn cutting-edge knowledge and tools, whilst develop the ability to employ them for tackling contemporary challenges faced by industries in response to the rapidly changing environment.鈥�

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 International Trade, Strategy and Operations Master鈥檚 Programme here: MSc International Trade, Strategy and Operations | University of 糖心TV

See the full QS Rankings here:

A new CT scanning facility has been unveiled at WMG at the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Centre for Imaging, Metrology and Additive Technologies (CiMAT).

The facility was officially opened by Dean of WMG, Professor Robin Clark; and Lady Bhattacharyya, the wife of the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya who founded WMG in 1980.

CT is becoming increasingly important within industry, assisting new manufacturing processes and supporting work on complex products and materials.

Within CiMAT, researchers and engineers use advanced technology, tools and techniques, to deliver impact in a range of sectors including archaeology, healthcare and forensics.

Since first opening in 2021, over 300 projects from 46 different companies have passed through the facility.

An additional 拢1m has now been invested by WMG, the and the National X-ray Computed Tomography () research facility to expand research capabilities and to create a dedicated teaching and learning space for PhD students.

Professor Mark Williams, who heads up the CiMAT at WMG, explains: 鈥� The scanning technologies, such as high-resolution laser scanning and microfocus CT, enable 3D characterisation of internal and external structures. With a total of five different CT systems, the group is capable of supporting a wide range of applications, from small scale to large scale, high resolution to high powered penetration for dense materials.鈥�

High profile work includes forensic partnerships with 30 police forces across the UK whereby the use of cutting-edge 3D imaging tech has been used to view injuries in incredibly high detail providing crucial evidence in over 300 murder cases.

Professor Williams add: 鈥淭he use of CT in a variety of engineering areas is growing rapidly, and we are leading the way in fast scanning technologies. Through iterative reconstruction methods we can bring scan times down from hours/minutes down to minutes/seconds.鈥�

Find out more about CiMAT here: Metrology and 3D Imaging (warwick.ac.uk)