糖心TV

Professor Gill Cooke has been appointed as the new Pro-Dean (Education) at WMG, University of 糖心TV, 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鈥檚 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: 鈥淚鈥檓 incredibly passionate about apprenticeships and developing skills. I firmly believe that companies need diverse workforces that represent an inclusive society.

鈥淚ndustrial 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.

鈥淲MG鈥檚 approach to bridging this gap resonates strongly with me, and I鈥檓 really excited to be joining the team.鈥�

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG comments: 鈥淕ill鈥檚 appointment is an important step forward for WMG鈥檚 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.鈥�

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

Researchers at WMG, University of 糖心TV have developed technology solutions for safer and more efficient automated driving when navigating complex road junctions such as roundabouts.

Working in partnership with over, and the , researchers from the Intelligent Vehicles directorate at WMG, University of 糖心TV have implemented a Proof of Concept demonstrator. This demonstrator focusses on unleashing the power of Edge and Cloud Computing, using a 鈥渃onnected roundabout鈥� at the University of 糖心TV鈥檚 main campus.

The Cloud Assisted Real-time Methods for Autonomy (CARMA) project, is part of the 拢11m TASCC programme funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Jaguar Land Rover. Supported by WMG鈥檚 Centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the CARMA project was established with the intention to create secure and resilient cloud-based platforms to enable safe and robust semi-autonomous functions on future cars in the short term, and with the vision of achieving fully autonomous vehicles.

Professor Mehrdad Dianati, Head of Intelligent Vehicles Research at WMG, University of 糖心TV said: 鈥淲e expect autonomous vehicles to be much safer, much more efficient and much more comfortable than human driven vehicles. Unfortunately, with existing sensor and computing technologies, it is difficult and expensive to achieve the level of accuracy and reliability of the perception of the environment that鈥檚 expected.鈥�

鈥淐ARMA not only demonstrates how these concepts could be implemented in practice, but also highlights what the impact of such technologies might be. This research will help manufacturers, technology developers, policy makers and road operators to make informed decisions on how they will adopt technologies in future road infrastructure, regulations, products and services.鈥�

CARMA researchers installed eight infrastructure cameras, as off-board sensors, at the roundabout to monitor the environment and stream video to a base station called 鈥楨dge鈥�. Using two-way communication, the Edge processes its own live information with information received from nearby connected vehicles. This processed data containing object, traffic, road layout and lane availability information is broadcast and received by the vehicles.

Dr Graham Lee, Principal Engineer at WMG, University of 糖心TV, added: 鈥淎t complex road junctions, the CARMA platform can help enable on-road autonomy by providing additional real time data about the environment through the use of off-board sensors and computing. This gives vehicles the ability to navigate complex road junctions safely and efficiently.鈥�

Dr Saber Fallah, Director of the Connected Autonomous Research Lab at the University of Surrey commented: 鈥淭his technology enables new business models for the transportation system in alignment with the rise of shared mobility. In addition, autonomous vehicle technology also highlights the potential for how elderly people or disabled people can benefit from the joy of driving from point A to point B safely.鈥�

The testing infrastructure was supported by the project, and the of the UK Government. The Open Innovation Platform research vehicle used within the project was developed with support from the and used alongside the CARMA research vehicle provided by JLR.

Over ten follow-on projects have been inspired by CARMA, as technological, regulatory and business challenges are to be overcome before the concept can be deployed on a mass scale. Through the project 23 early career scientists and engineers were trained and three patents were granted along with 40 publications on the work carried out.

On Friday (27th May), Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, at the University of 糖心TV, 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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: 鈥淚t 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.

鈥淭he 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.鈥�

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 糖心TV) also joined the tour and subsequent discussion.

WMG and the School of Engineering at the University of 糖心TV were pleased to welcome (SCG) to campus recently.

 A senior delegation of directors at SCG, enjoyed an extensive tour of the University鈥檚 state-of-the-art facilities including WMG鈥檚 Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Centre (AMMC).

SCG, based in Thailand is one of the world鈥檚 largest cement and concrete manufacturers. The Group is investing in world-leading technology for construction including . Concrete4Change is an award-winning R&D start-up, supported by WMG and the School of Engineering, developing net-zero concrete technology.

Dr Sid Pourfalah, Founder and CEO of Concrete4Change, and Honorary Associate Professor at the University of 糖心TV commented: 鈥淲e are delighted to host SCG at the University of 糖心TV. The University has been an invaluable R&D partner in our journey so far, and with SCG now entering into collaboration with Concrete4Change, we can scale our presence in the market and create the true net-zero pathway that the concrete industry desperately needs.鈥�

Read more about the Concrete4Change project here: CO2 consuming concrete technology showcased at COP26 to be tested at University of 糖心TV - WMG :: News

鈥� Research shows 91% of construction workers have felt overwhelmed and 26% have experienced suicidal thoughts*

鈥� National Grid issues call to join its Health in Construction Consortium to improve wellbeing of workers across the industry.

鈥� National Grid opens new Health Hub at IFA interconnector site to provide wellbeing support for staff and contractors

National Grid is calling on the construction sector to work together to develop an industry-wide approach to improve the mental health and well-being of its workers.

Suicide rates for construction workers in the UK are over three times the national average with over two employees dying by suicide every day.

This highlights that wellbeing initiatives are not reaching the most vulnerable and more needs to be done to improve support and services offered within the sector.

There are a range of factors which make construction employees especially at risk of poor mental health including regular periods of underemployment, extended time spent away from family and friends and high mobility within the workforce. This has only been exacerbated through the pandemic.

According to research by CIOB, some 91% of workers report feeling overwhelmed and 26% have experienced suicidal thoughts. *

National Grid is determined to change this, by establishing a Health in Construction Consortium and leaders have called for supporters from throughout the sector to join the project.

The call to action was made at the official launch of a new on-site Health Hub at the company鈥檚 IFA interconnector site in Kent on Thursday. (19th May).

The facility has been specially designed to improve the wellbeing of construction workers and includes a canteen providing heathy meals, recreational space, a garden and a gym as well as a quiet room for prayer and reflection.

Services such as mental health and wellbeing sessions, training and support helplines will be provided by charity Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity which provides vital support for those working within the sector.

The facility, which has been constructed by contractor J Murphy & Sons Limited, is already providing vital services to hundreds of employees working around the clock at the company鈥檚 IFA interconnector.

Together with Considerate Constructors Scheme, National Grid has established a Health in Construction Consortium and will be sharing findings from this project across the industry to demonstrate the difference this kind of support can make to workers.

Managing Director of Interconnectors for National Grid, Nicola Medalova, said: 鈥淭his is an issue that all of us in the construction sector have a responsibility to address. The research shows that something has to change. That鈥檚 why we鈥檙e looking for representatives from across the sector including small to medium-sized enterprise, large businesses, contractors, and clients, who are passionate about mental health, to be part of the solution. We understand that collaboration and coordination across key stakeholders in the industry will be critical to tackling the mental health crisis in construction. So, whether you are getting started, in development, or leading the way on mental health issues within the sector, we call for your support and ask for you to join us in being an agent for change.鈥�

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive Amanda Long said: 鈥淎s an industry, the workforce is at a higher-than-average risk of poor mental health and suicide and we must take action. It is vital that we work together with the construction sector to give all employees access to the support and facilities they need to look after their mental health and wellbeing.鈥�

Chief Executive of Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity Bill Hill said: 鈥淲e are absolutely delighted to be working with National Grid on this significant issue within our industry. It is so important that we get the message of support to the 'boots on the ground' that we are there for them 24/7. If our workforce don鈥檛 know we are there for them we simply can鈥檛 help them in crisis. We are delighted to support National Grid鈥檚 Wellbeing Hub and I am convinced that this initiative will have a positive impact on workforce wellbeing and ultimately save lives.鈥�

National Grid is working with WMG at the University of 糖心TV to research the experiences of construction workers using the Health Hub, and the benefits these additional services will have on employee mental wellbeing. The project is being led by Dr Carla Toro, Associate Professor in Digital Healthcare Sciences at WMG.

The research will help the business understand and make recommendations to the sector on the challenges that the construction workforce experience, and the kinds of wellbeing initiatives that could have a positive impact on quality of life and mental health.

Organisations interested in joining the Health in Construction Consortium should contact Alisha Baig by emailing alisha.baig@nationalgrid.com

*Source of Research: 2019 CIOB (The Chartered Institute of Building) Research & Survey: Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment.

WMG鈥檚 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: 鈥淚 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.鈥�

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鈥檚 and postgraduate level.

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

WMG鈥檚 composites manufacturing expertise, on Project TUCANA, has been recognised at the prestigious , in Paris.

The Awards celebrate innovation in design and manufacturing within the global composites industry. Project TUCANA, led by Jaguar Land Rover in partnership with WMG at the University of 糖心TV; Expert Tooling & Automation Limited; Broetje-Automation UK Ltd; Toray International U.K. Limited; CCP Gransden Ltd; and CFMS Limited, was announced as the winner of the Automotive and Road Transportation - Structural category.

WMG experts, led by Professor Ken Kendall, helped to develop a stiffer and lighter vehicle structure using light weight carbon fibre composite components.

The research, which took place in the Materials Engineering Centre, has developed world-leading cost effective, scalable carbon fibre composite solutions, with the view to boosting the performance of electric vehicles. Upon adoption of the design philosophy in JLR vehicles the total combined CO2 benefit of the project between 2023-2032 is projected to be 4.5 million tonnes.

Professor Ken Kendall explains:鈥淥ur research helped develop the design and manufacturing technology needed to optimise the vehicle body architecture required for electric vehicles, improving their environmental impact through reduced weight, improved rigidity and range extension.

鈥淭his project has helped develop the understanding of what is achievable through the use of mixed composite materials to improve structural performance at affordable cost for high volume manufacture. WMG were a key partner in developing and demonstrating the technologies required and transitioning this knowledge to our industrial partners. We are delighted that the project has received the recognition it deserves.鈥�

The high quality of engineering research at the University of 糖心TV has been recognised within the results of the , which were made publicly available today.

The University鈥檚 engineering research has been , with over 90% of engineering research outputs being identified as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Colleagues from research, technical services, teaching and professional services at WMG and the School of Engineering combined to create a strong submission within the 鈥楤12 Engineering鈥� category, augmented by related research from the Department of Physics.

Reflecting on the results, Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG and Director of Education said: 鈥淲ith 93% of our engineering research rated world leading or internationally excellent, the joint submission with our colleagues in the School of Engineering demonstrates the quality and breadth of work being undertaken at the University.

鈥淐overing a diverse range of topics and delivering cross disciplinary research to address global and industrial challenges is something we and our industry partners value, and it is something we will develop further in the future.鈥�

Professor David Towers, Head of the School of Engineering added: 鈥淭he results show strong positive progression in research outputs and impact case studies. Most notably, we have – and are continuing – to invest in research infrastructure, in clean energy technologies, biomedical engineering and sustainable cities with a core strength in predictive modelling, the majority of which is ranked as world-leading. Hence, we are optimistic of our potential to further expand our academic and societal impact over the coming years together with our industry partners.鈥�

The collective submission acknowledged the work of the University鈥檚 engineering-based researchers, spanning key areas such as: embedding sustainability through energy innovation; helping people live longer and healthier lives through biomedical engineering; realising visions for future cities; maximising the potential of technology and society; and embedding innovation throughout materials and manufacturing.

As part of this, a series of case studies were submitted to illustrate the breadth and depth of impact generated throughout engineering research at the University. Over 60% of these case studies have received the highest rank of 鈥榳orld-leading鈥�.

Professor Paul Jennings, Director of Research at WMG commented: "Our research constantly evolves to address the needs of our industry partners across many sectors. So, to achieve this recognition for its quality and impact, especially during a period of significant growth and change, is testament to the capability and hard work of colleagues across the whole of our department."

The REF is the UK鈥檚 system designed to evaluate the quality of research across higher education. The assessment is conducted by (as well as equivalent funding bodies for institutions across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) through a process of expert review by academics, international members and research users.

WMG鈥檚 contribution within the submission involved significant partnership with industry and public bodies. The technical focus has evolved since REF 2014, to cover key themes such as vehicle electrification; sustainable materials; resilient manufacturing; and opportunities from improved use of data and connectivity. WMG's research also informs its education provision and skills programmes, as well as the national agenda, through initiatives like the National Electrification Skills Framework.

The School of Engineering spans Civil Engineering, Mechanical, Materials and Process Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Systems and Information Engineering, embedded within a single unified department to enable cross-fertilisation in research.

The results also recognised an increase in the economic and societal impact of the University鈥檚 research as a whole, which highlights the real-world benefit of the University鈥檚 work.

Commenting on the REF2021 assessment, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor at the University of 糖心TV, said: 鈥淭hese results demonstrate the truly world class quality of our research, our approach and most importantly our people.

鈥淭his is an outstanding achievement and a source of tremendous pride for everyone connected with this great institution.

鈥淥ur research has always been driven by a strong sense of purpose and commitment to ensuring what we do has a positive impact on wider society. From helping to save lives through our modelling work during the Covid pandemic, and the development of new, sustainable forms of transport and energy, to making a fairer criminal justice system, and supporting our cultural institutions and creative industries, our research delivers real-world benefit.

鈥淥verall, the REF results also reflect the remarkable strength, quality and breadth of research within the UK. The future for our researchers is bright and exciting. We will continue to push boundaries, innovate and learn through our research work so we can benefit more people, in more places, more often.鈥�

Read more about WMG鈥檚 research impact here and find out more about WMG鈥檚 REF submission here.

Read more about the School of Engineering鈥檚 research impact here and more about their REF submission here.

Read more about the University鈥檚 research impact and innovation here. The University鈥檚 announcement can be viewed here.

鈥� Legal framework proposed by researchers at the University of 糖心TV lays out how future micromobility vehicles such as eScooters could be designed and operated in the UK by mid-2023.

鈥� New standards would require manufacturers to develop safer and better quality vehicles.

鈥� The roadmap proposes new powers of enforcement to deter antisocial and illegal use.

鈥� Conclusions were drawn from a wide-ranging consultation with over 100 organisations.

The UK is the last major Western economy not to legislate 鈥楶owered Micro Vehicles鈥�. The University of 糖心TV wants to change that and has proposed a new set of regulations for allowing micromobility vehicles, such as e-scooters to operate legally in the UK. The report looks at ways to improve the quality and safety of models available, as well as providing clear guidance for authorities to deal with unsafe behaviour.

WMG researchers at the University of 糖心TV, with support from Cenex, has published 鈥楳icromobility, a UK roadmap鈥�. It is a regulatory framework that provides a set of standards for eScooters, a cargo variant and other micro vehicles, to be operated legally in the UK, which is aimed at supporting regulatory change through parliament.

100 organisations representing road users, safety groups, transport authorities and industry have helped shape the roadmap. If the roadmap was adopted, the public could legally operate eScooters and other micromobility vehicles by mid-2023.

Micromobility is a key part of achieving net-zero emissions for transport. For many journeys, particularly short journeys, walking or using micromobility are much better for the environment than using a car. The economic benefits are also compelling both in the cost of the vehicle and the manufacturing opportunities. Without change many manufacturers may leave the country.

The key recommendations of the roadmap are:

鈥� The creation of a new vehicle category 鈥淧owered Micro Vehicles鈥� and three initial new vehicle types in the category: eScooter, Light Electric Cargo Vehicle, Electric Light Moped.

鈥� Specific standards and regulations for each vehicle type, including speed limits and weight limits.

鈥� Vehicles must be registered and be visually identifiable.

鈥� Cardinal design requirements around minimum wheel size and redundancy of braking systems, so there is a secondary method of slowing the vehicle down.

鈥� Daytime running lights, a sound emitter and indicators are required to improve visibility for current road users.

鈥� No use on the pavement in any circumstance, and instead use on roads and cycle-ways.

鈥� Minimum ages for operating the vehicles, and PPE recommendations.

鈥� New powers for local policing and PCSOs in England and Wales, to fine breaches and illegal use.

Lead author John Fox, Programme Director at WMG at the University of 糖心TV, said 鈥淭he purpose of the 'Micromobilty, a UK roadmap鈥�, is to provide regulations on how powered micromobility vehicles could be designed and operated in the UK.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important that these vehicles are high quality, safe, and legal. They can provide a low-carbon mobility option which is available to everybody, allowing us to make choices about how we travel, and stimulating future innovation which will accelerate a market for UK manufacturers.鈥�

Robert Evans, CEO at Cenex comments, 鈥淚n order to lower emissions from transport, it is crucial we find a way forward that allows the UK micromobility market to grow sustainably and safely for all.

鈥淭he growth in e-bike use and the popularity of e-scooter trials have demonstrated that electric powered micro vehicles will have a significant role in our future transport systems. The right legislation and regulations must enable this whilst minimising any potential negative impacts.

鈥淐enex is proud to have supported WMG in this work and looks forward to seeing the benefits and impacts.鈥�

Richard Dilks, Chief Executive at CoMoUK, said 鈥淔urther to our recent letter to the Transport Secretary, CoMoUK sees a clear need for legislation to fill the void we currently have over micromobility options such as escooters beyond the welcome rental scheme trials. We welcome the announcement from the Transport Secretary that the Government intends to legislate. We need all the options we can lay our hands on to reduce our over-reliance on private cars in particular and motorised mileage in general, and proposals such as these help put flesh on the bones of how we can fill the gap.鈥�

Adam Norris, Founder of Pure Electric, said, 鈥淎s Europe鈥檚 largest e-scooter retailer we are working hard to support the Government with bringing in legislation. The UK still remains the only large economy not to have legalised and regulated private e-scooters. It is frustrating that the UK has fallen behind the rest of Europe, however, the detailed work from the experts at the University of 糖心TV demonstrates that the UK has the potential to become a world leader in micro-mobility.鈥�

Over the course of six months, the researchers held five workshops with over 100 organisations represented. Participants came from a broad range of stakeholders, including user groups – such as road safety groups, charities and cycling groups - service providers, vehicle developers and manufacturers, local and regional transport authorities, and policymakers. These workshops examined a range of options covering vehicle types, vehicle safety, maximum speeds, to try and form a consensus.

鈥� The roadmap is available online: short version and long version

鈥� The image (taken on private land) is courtesy of Pure Electric.

WMG is hosting its 2nd micromobility event on 9th June where the roadmap will be debated by key industry stakeholders. The event will also feature the latest data from industry and technology experts, with the opportunity to trial some of the latest micromobility solutions

WMG, at the University of 糖心TV, 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鈥檚 School of 糖心TV and Economics.

Alok comments: 鈥淚 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.

鈥淢ore 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.

鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to leading WMG鈥檚 Supply Chain Group and collaborating with our industry partners and colleagues from across the University, to make a step-change in addressing these challenges.鈥�

Alok served as a panel member of REF2021 Subpanel "糖心TV and Management" as one of the only two operations and supply chain management experts. Most recently, Professor Choudhary worked with and to develop the .

He has led and contributed to several projects funded by EPSRC, ESRC, European Union, 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 (IITs), ; , and a Visiting Researcher at . 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鈥檚 Supply Chain Group here.