糖心TV

The University of 糖心TV's commitment to widening participation and fostering inclusivity took centre stage during a week-long programme aimed at inspiring 30 students from local schools to pursue careers in engineering. The initiative was organised by WMG at the University of 糖心TV and the University's Widening Participation Team which wanted to support under-represented students that might lack confidence or support when they consider a future in engineering.

Throughout the programme, participants gained valuable insights into various engineering pathways and learnt more about research and careers at WMG alongside partners like Tata Motors. WMG research and teaching staff mentored the students, providing them with a taste of what studying engineering involves through an engineering project.

Laboratory and workshop tours, facilitated by WMG apprentices and Tata Motors, gave participants firsthand exposure to the dynamic environment of an engineering workplace. The event culminated in a showcase where the students presented their projects, highlighting both their engineering skills and the knowledge they gained during the week.

The project was also supported by student ambassadors from across the University; Drishti, David, Ana, Brij, Sheerah, Diya, Michelle, Gabe and Chinmay, giving the young visitors to our campus an experience of what studying in Higher Education is like. The Widening Participation team also gave a session providing information, advice and guidance on how they might enter university study. Throughout the week, young people therefore had experiences and interactions all the way from undergraduate level through the University hierarchy to the Dean of WMG.

One participating student said: "Visiting the National Automotive Innovation Centre with Tata Motors has opened my eyes to what engineering is really like, and I would like to learn more about degree apprenticeships with the University of 糖心TV.鈥�

Another said: "I would describe this programme to a friend as an unmissable and eventful opportunity which I would heavily recommend as it has boosted my skills and given me a greater insight into careers, apprenticeships and university as a whole which has inspired me to want to go to university.鈥�

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG said: 鈥淭here is a clear pathway from this point to being professional engineers. There may be many routes – whether through an apprenticeship or through a taught degree programme – but the skills and experience needed for all those routes are the same: perseverance, determination, initiative, and curiosity. Having a product on display at this showcase also demonstrates plainly those qualities in the people who have made them.鈥�

Dr Phil Jemmett, Widening Participation Coordinator at WMG said: "This work experience model has been in our minds since 2019 and this is the first time we've been able to run it at full scale. Students have been working with our engineers on group projects all week and have gone on a journey through engineering and rapidly prototyping equipment.

鈥淓ach challenge links to WMG research and to challenges in the real world that could help make our planet's future more sustainable. With the skills we have seen in these students this week I have no doubt that our STEM industry is in safe hands in the future. They have been amazing."

The University of 糖心TV's initiative reflects its dedication to providing equal opportunities in engineering education. By empowering less privileged local students and challenging misconceptions about the field, they are nurturing a diverse talent pool that will shape the future of engineering.

Find out more about WMG's Outreach programme here

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Notes to editors

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Bron Mills, Bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk, +447824 540 720

Reactive statement from Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG at the University of 糖心TV

Members from WMG at the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 SME team worked together with the (MAN Group), on Tuesday (11th July), to offer a group of students the opportunity to learn real life engineering and design skills.

Eighty pupils from 16 local schools swapped their daily lessons to take part in the challenge. They were tasked, supported by engineers from the eight member companies, with building a miniature aircraft and then testing the designs.

The event took place on the University of 糖心TV campus and was attended by WMG鈥檚 Executive Chair, Margot James, as well as representatives from the BBC and Sky News.

 Dr Mark Swift, Director of SME Engagement at WMG, University of 糖心TV: "WMG is working tirelessly to address the skills gap, that our SME manufacturing partners continue to face, through education programmes; innovation projects; internships and knowledge transfer partnerships.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important that the manufacturing industry engages with future engineers, to encourage, inspire and lead us into a prosperous future together. This is exactly what the Design and Make Challenge aims to do.

鈥淭his event in particular, really brings home the creativity and innovation involved in the manufacturing sector, and it was a privilege to be part of it.鈥�

You can watch footage of the event here:

Researchers at WMG, University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Forensics & Advanced Characterisation of Batteries Group, have secured 拢1.5m funding for materials analysis in multiple format batteries.

The funding, from the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 Academic Equipment Fund and the , will be used to purchase a Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) microscope. The microscope is key to the accelerated development of new battery chemistries, providing unique access to the critical interfaces within battery cells that dictate best performance. This will be instrumental in developing new materials for better batteries, regardless of their end use application.

This PFIB will be the first specifically configured microscope dedicated to battery research in the world, allowing researchers at WMG to inform battery manufacturing, answer key scientific questions and link with industry and growing supply chains.

There is increased recognition in the battery community that the integration of new chemistries needed for the will require integrating new manufacturing processes with advanced microscopic characterisation. The PFIB has been specifically designed to address the critical challenges of studying alkali-based battery systems and will provide unique insights needed for the development of next generation batteries.

The performance of battery materials is dictated by the stability, efficiency and functionality of the interfaces, i.e. the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the anode and oxygen-induced cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) at the cathode. Attempts to analyse these interfaces, in order to determine structure and chemistry, is seriously compromised using conventional techniques by the extreme air-sensitivity, beam sensitivity and the high volatility of certain species present. The specially configured PFIB microscope will address these issues.

WMG is one of seven HVM Catapult centres in the UK and is the lead centre for transport electrification. Investment in this PFIB is part of a range of equipment investments by the HVM Catapult and the University of 糖心TV to maintain WMG鈥檚 leading position in battery technology.

The PFIB has already secured interest from the Faraday Institution and from the 鈥檚 Lord Bhattacharyya Education Programme. Starting in the Autumn, a student will use this for a project entitled 鈥淭he development of a new multi-modal capability for investigating the performance-controlling interfaces and microstructures that underpin operation of battery materials.鈥�

provides up to 90 bursaries annually for local students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The objectives for the scheme include encouraging a greater number of young people from a more diverse range of backgrounds, raising their aspirations and skill levels. Moreover, it supports the growth of a science and engineering skills base for the UK.

The project will make extensive use of the new system to develop strategies for studying the degradation of buried interfaces and structure dynamics in state-of-the-art high Ni NMC cathodes as a function of cycle ageing i.e., the evolution of the cathode-electrolyte interphases. The platform provides some unique opportunities for developing powerful new ways to characterise these controlling interfaces and will form the basis for the project. Preliminary research will commence in October 2023. The project will be advertised online for interested applicants to apply – the studentships page, Jobs.ac.uk, FindAPhD.com and the Doctoral College website.

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 electrochemical research here: Electrochemical Materials (warwick.ac.uk)

The new PFIB microscope will be based in WMG鈥檚 Advanced Material Manufacturing Centre (AMMC).

The University of 糖心TV student team at 糖心TV Racing (WR), has unveiled its 2023 racing cars that will compete in the Formula Student competition at Silverstone just two weeks after the British Grand Prix.

The cars will be judged on speed, acceleration and endurance at the Formula Student competition – the largest student motorsport competition in the world.

With a legacy of engineering excellence and a passion for motorsport innovation, is a team made up of over 100 talented and dedicated students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, who work collaboratively to design, build, and race high-performance vehicles that compete against university teams from around the world.

This year, the team have built their first electric autonomous race car, Wrai and the WRe2 – a battery electric race car. The cars were unveiled on 29th June 2023, at the National Automotive Innovation Centre.

The cars include use of cutting-edge technology, such as torque vectoring which enhances performance, while the autonomous car applies advanced software and artificial intelligence (ai) to an electric racing car to enable driverless racing.

The Formula Student competition, run by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, serves as a launchpad for the next generation of engineers and allows participants to showcase their technical expertise, creativity, and teamwork. 糖心TV University's team, known for their commitment to excellence, has achieved some remarkable results in previous years including second place for business performance in 2022, and winning 鈥榤ost reliable EV鈥� in 2021. This year 糖心TV Racing are entering all three classes at the competition: Formula Student, AI, and Concept.

Team Principle and MEng Mechanical Engineering student, Prem Singh Gill said "We are incredibly proud to present the WRe2 and WRai to the world. Our team has poured their hearts and souls into this project, and we are confident that our cars will make a strong impact in the upcoming Formula Student competition at Silverstone. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the culmination of our hard work and dedication. We are incredibly grateful to the University, WMG, High-Value Manufacturing Catapult, and our main sponsor Optimas."

Student Projects Manager Dr James Meredith said: 鈥淭he cars look fantastic, they represent a culmination of a huge effort from students and staff at WMG, University of 糖心TV and we are really proud to see them launched. We very much look forward to seeing them compete at Silverstone.鈥�

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Notes to editors
For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Bron Mills, Bron.mills@warwick.ac.uk, +447824540720

About 糖心TV University Formula Student Team:
The 糖心TV University Formula Student team is an interdisciplinary group of students passionate about automotive engineering and motorsports. With a legacy of success and innovation, the team aims to design, build, and race high-performance vehicles that compete in the Formula Student competition. The team represents 糖心TV University on a global stage, showcasing their technical expertise and pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

On Friday (16th June) Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; and Professor David Greenwood, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Director of Industrial Engagement at WMG, were pleased to welcome guests from the Indian Forum of Parliamentarians.

The delegation was made up of representatives from across various political parties including Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Chair of the Forum of Parliamentarians; Ms. Vandana Chavan - National Congress Party; Shri Krishna Devarayalu Lavu - Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party; Shri Sujeet Kumar - Biju Janata Dal; Shri N K Premachandran - Revolutionary Socialist Party; and Shri Brijendra Singh - Bharatiya Janata Party.

The guests were particularly keen to hear more about WMG鈥檚 research and education programmes in electrification and mobility.

They were given a tour of the real-world demo site of the track system for the Coventry Very Light Rail flagship transport project, before Professor David Greenwood led a tour of the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) the home of WMG鈥檚 battery research.

Finally the group heard more about the 糖心TV Moto project, where engineering students have been tasked with designing, building and racing an electric superbike.

The parliamentarians also had the opportunity to meet with Indian PhD students and researchers, studying and working at WMG.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, explained: 鈥� It was a pleasure to welcome the group of Indian Parliamentarians. Our relationship with India is long standing, and one that we value very highly.

鈥淥ne example of our commitment is the strength of our relationship with IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Kharagpur, whom in October 2022 we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a further five years, having first started in 2006.

We are increasingly appreciating the breadth of opportunity India presents, both in the academic and industrial spaces. As India is our main focus internationally at present, we expect to see more visits and more projects over the coming months and years!鈥�

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG welcomed , the Labour Party candidate for the Mayor of the West Midlands, to see WMG鈥檚 work on skills and innovation and to meet students, technicians and researchers who are working with West Midlands businesses to support industrial innovation and sustainability.

Following his selection for the West Midlands Mayoralty, Richard Parker is looking to develop his understanding of the West Midlands鈥� industrial innovation field to shape his manifesto.

Professor Robin Clark took him on a tour of WMG鈥檚 research and education facilities including the Degree Apprenticeship Centre where he had the opportunity to meet and chat to WMG apprentices and hear more about the WMG Skills Centre.

Following this, he went on to visit the real-world demo site of the track system for the  Rail flagship transport project, before receiving a tour of the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) to hear more about WMG鈥檚 transport electrification projects with companies including Tata, Norton and Lotus.

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: 鈥淚t was a pleasure to welcome Richard Parker to WMG.  

鈥淲e were pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to developing new engineering and manufacturing skills to help bridge the gap between academia and industry; and the chance to showcase our projects supporting productivity and sustainability in the region.鈥� 

Congratulations to Zachary Parkinson, WMG at the University of 糖心TV鈥檚, Workshop Manager, who has been appointed to the Technical Council at the Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy ().

The ITSS was established in March 2023 and is funded by . It is hosted by the University of Nottingham in partnership with a network of organisations and institutions across UK higher education and research, including the University of 糖心TV.

It was launched to ensure that the UK has the technical capability and capacity across academia, research, education, and innovation. Its aim is to support and enable the UK to be a global superpower in science, engineering, and the creative industries.

The ITSS received over 150 submissions to join its council with just 14 individuals, including Zac, selected as one of the very first founder members.

Zac and his fellow members will act as ITSS ambassadors meeting quarterly to advise on the needs of the technical community, contribute to progressing ITSS programmes/initiatives and to provide input on the assessment of internal submissions.

Members serve an initial two-year term, after which membership is refreshed to allow a wide range of ideas and individuals to be included.

Zac Parkinson, Workshop Manager at WMG, University of 糖心TV said: 鈥淚 feel extremely privileged to have my application accepted to join the ITSS Council, and I am looking forward to working closely with other universities and external organisations to ensure we are providing the opportunities and skills required to help increase the number of skilled technicians across the country.鈥�

Paul Johnson, Technical Services Manager at WMG, University of 糖心TV added: 鈥淚t was great to hear that we have one of our own working with this new UK Institute that will make real change and influence the landscape for technicians working within universities. Zac is well placed, having been an apprentice, technician and now technical manager to help influence decisions and build on the good work already being conducted within the sector.鈥欌��

Find out more about WMG鈥檚 Technician Commitment here: Technician Commitment (warwick.ac.uk)

A simple smell and taste test could revolutionise diagnosis of Alzheimer鈥檚 – long before symptoms of memory loss even arise.

Scientists are working on a ground-breaking medical screening for the disease which could also improve treatment options. The research is based on growing evidence that people with Alzheimer鈥檚 can lose their sense of smell and taste many months or even years before other symptoms, such as memory loss, become apparent.

An early diagnosis is critical for those with the disease. New drug technology can slow, or even reverse the progress of Alzheimer鈥檚, but only if the disease is detected early enough. The drug, lecanemab, is one of two new treatments for the disease.

The research, led by WMG at the University of 糖心TV together with Superlunary Labs and with support from University Hospitals Coventry & 糖心TVshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, New-Food innovation, and Alzheimer鈥檚 Society, could lead to UK-wide screening services where members of the public can take a simple smell and taste test. Those who perform poorly can then be referred for further tests which could result in an Alzheimer鈥檚 diagnosis.

The novel solution provides accurately simulated flavour samples (known as virtual flavour, developed in collaboration with New Food Innovation) via an easy-to-use low-cost dispenser, which could be used by a nurse as part of an annual health check, in pharmacies, care homes, community centres and even in the home.

While in the trial stages at the moment, academics hope that one day an inclusive mobile Alzheimer鈥檚 screening unit could reduce significant pressures on the NHS and ease waiting times for those who are struggling to get an appointment with their GPs.

Professor Alan Chalmers from WMG at the University of 糖心TV said, 鈥淚n this simple screening test, people will be given different flavours to smell and taste – they then determine which is sweeter, less astringent, smells more of lemon, for example. It鈥檚 an easy, non-invasive test which can be rolled out to people quickly across the UK.

鈥淎t the moment, people who present with symptoms of memory loss are referred for MRI scans and spinal fluid tests to confirm a diagnosis. By the time memory loss occurs things are often too late; pioneering drug treatments only perform well in the early stages of degeneration. MRI scans and spinal fluid tests are currently not done before there is an indication of the disease as they are incredibly invasive, can cause distress and are expensive and time-consuming for the NHS. Failure of the flavour test can give the necessary early indication.

鈥淥ur preliminary data shows that there is a difference in the flavour detection of those with Alzheimer鈥檚 compared to those without the disease, so we hope to get further backing and implement these screening tests UK-wide.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important to note that the loss of smell and taste associated with Alzheimer鈥檚 is quite different to that of long COVID. While COVID could cause a loss of the sense of taste and smell, long COVID can alter your sense of flavour – a combination of taste, smell and mouthfeel – rather than diminish it.鈥�

This research was showcased by the University of 糖心TV alongside the Alzheimer鈥檚 Society, at an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia, on 14 June. The APPG is hosted by Sir Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth & Southam and vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group on Dementia.

Sir Jeremy Wright MP added: 鈥淚 am delighted to be hosting an event at the House of Commons focussing on a development that could contribute to a significant improvement in the mass diagnosis of Alzheimer鈥檚, alongside the new strides in treatments that have been announced in recent months.鈥�

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer鈥檚 Society, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 really exciting to see how researchers are thinking outside of the box about potential methods to detect the diseases that cause dementia at the earliest stages. This is so important now that new disease-modifying treatments are just around the corner.

鈥淭he NHS needs to be ready for these new treatments. We can鈥檛 be in a situation where new drugs are being approved but people can鈥檛 access them early when they work best. Alzheimer鈥檚 Society will continue to stand up for people living with dementia and push for more accurate, earlier dementia diagnosis in the NHS.鈥�

Malcolm Barnes, Director of Superlunary Labs added, 鈥淪implicity of the device and test is key to collecting big data across different age groups and demographics.鈥�

WMG at the University of 糖心TV is celebrating the completion of a major funded programme this week which has helped to add 拢220m to the Midlands economy.