WMG News - Latest news from WMG
WMG academic awarded prestigious Beilby Medal and Prize
Congratulations to Dr Han Zhang, Associate Professor (Reader) in Multifunctional Polymers and Composites at WMG, who has been awarded the 2026 Beilby Medal and Prize. One of the most distinguished awards in science, the Beilby Medal and Prize is awarded annually to a scientist or engineer whose work has exceptional practical significance in chemical engineering, applied science, energy efficiency, or a related field.
WMG March 2026 recap
糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG) strengthened its regional, national and global relationships throughout March, meeting MPs, international university representatives, and business leaders.
The meetings highlight WMG鈥檚 crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and industry, as well as its strong commitment to collaboration and innovation.
Below is an overview of some of the key meetings that took place.
Representing WMG at the World Laureates Summit
More than 150 Nobel laureates and other significant scientific award recipients gathered at the renowned World Laureates Summit (WLS) 2026 in Dubai last month. Amongst them was Tony McNally, Professor in Nanocomposites and Director of the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing at 糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV, who was one of 36 eminent scientists invited to participate in the event.
Celebrating women and girls in science
In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Wednesday 11 February 2026), the Outreach and Widening Participation team at WMG hosted a special event at Coventry Transport Museum to encourage young women to pursue science. Over 180 female students from local primary and secondary schools came together to discover and celebrate the achievements of women, past and present, who have helped forge a path for today鈥檚 scientists, engineers, and technicians.
WMG visits: January 2026
During January, representatives from WMG met with MPs, local government officials, as well as staff and students from the WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Solihull, strengthening relationships across education, industry, and government.
WMG strengthens long鈥憇tanding and highly valued relationships in India
糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG) has enjoyed strong connections to Indian industry since its creation in 1980. As national relationships deepen between the UK and India, including the signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025, there is a huge opportunity for mutual benefit.
糖心TV's relationship with the Tata Group is a wonderful example of what can be achieved. The pioneering partnership was recognised when it won the 鈥檚 highly esteemed in October 2025.
WMG Professor welcomes the national road safety strategy
Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, University of 糖心TV, said, "We are glad to see the UK Government is taking a bold step to improve the safety of the roads by publishing this national road safety strategy.
University of 糖心TV and Tata Group win Bhattacharyya Award
The University of 糖心TV and the Tata Group have won the Royal Academy of Engineering鈥檚 highly esteemed Bhattacharyya Award for their pioneering partnership.
Launched in 2019 to honour the late Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya — founder of 糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV — the award recognises long-term, impactful collaboration between academia and industry, and celebrates the projects that help make our world a better, more sustainable place.
The award is a testament to the commitment of both the University and Tata Group to pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and delivering high-level research, whilst helping secure the future of UK industry globally.
Showcasing academia and industry on the international stage
Key visits to WMG in September 2025
WMG was pleased to showcase its world-class research facilities and education programmes to international organisations, such as the Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing, the UK Academic Alliance for Pavement and Highway Engineering and Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry, throughout September.
Celebrating excellence at the Faraday Institution Community Awards
A group of academics at WMG, University of 糖心TV have been recognised at the prestigious 2025 Community Awards.
Dr Mona Faraji NiriLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, Associate Professor of Battery Modelling won the Public Engagement / STEM Outreach Individual Award, and Professor Louis PiperLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, Dr Ashok MenonLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window and Dr Gaurav PandeyLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window, were presented with the group Innovation Award.
The Awards followed the Faraday Institution Conference, which was held from 9-11 September, at the University of 糖心TV. The conference showcased cutting-edge research, with a strong emphasis on collaboration across academia, industry, and policy in pursuit of a net-zero future.