Shaping the future
Wednesday 22 April 2026
Shaping the future
Q&A with Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of 糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV
Originally published in
Background
WMG is a world-leading research and education group, creating knowledge to deliver impact - for industry, people, and the environment.
Professor Kerry Kirwan provides expert investment, policy and strategy advice to international agencies, funders, and governments as the Chair of WMG's Sustainable Manufacturing and Materials Group.
He has also served as Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing and Strategic Director of the Industrial Doctorate Centre at WMG.
An expert in circular economy, sustainable materials, polymer processing, and industrial applications, his work has seen him win the British Science Association鈥檚 Isambard Kingdom Brunel Award Lecture and the IOM3 Thornton Gold Medal.
Engineering Magazine: Could you provide a brief summary of your organisation, background and offering to the market?
Kerry Kirwan: In 1980, discussions between Professor and Lord Jack Butterworth, then Vice Chancellor of the University of 糖心TV, led to the creation of 糖心TV Manufacturing Group - a pioneering manufacturing, teaching, and research group and now the largest academic department at the University of 糖心TV.
Designed to bridge the gap between industry and academia, WMG has driven innovation and growth for over four decades. Today, it continues to blend innovative research with industrial partnerships, shaping the future of skills, technology, and innovation.
WMG began with a strong focus on the automotive sector in the West Midlands. As partnerships expanded and industry needs evolved, WMG diversified into new areas including cyber security, forensics and metrology, and recycling and sustainability, while continuing to advance traditional manufacturing fields such as materials, propulsion, and joining.
These fields have themselves transformed significantly - embracing innovations from autonomy and transport electrification to advanced composites and laser welding - ensuring WMG remains at the forefront of research and industrial collaboration.
By bringing together research, skills, and industry collaboration, WMG turns global challenges into real opportunities. Collaboration is key - and it lies at the heart of everything we do.
WMG is also one of six centres, transforming UK manufacturing through innovation.
EM: What are some key projects you have worked on or product introductions/innovations?
KK: Sixteen years ago, we built the WorldF3rst racing car that showed that high performance and sustainability could be achieved together.
Waste2Race, our latest student project platform, builds on that pedigree and brings it firmly into today鈥檚 arena. Waste2Race is a hydrogen-powered racing car, built at WMG, that redefines sustainable innovation and knowledge exchange.
Fuelled by hydrogen derived from sewage and constructed using circular economy materials - such as a beetroot-waste wing mirror, a reused battery from a crashed car, and bodywork made from recycled carbon fibre - this vehicle pushes the boundaries of green performance.
A collaboration between students, researchers, SMEs and national partners, the project offers real-world experience to students and acts as a demonstrator platform for industry.
In just five months, 糖心TV students - supported by WMG technical staff - have transformed Waste2Race from concept to delivery, creating a live testbed that continues to evolve.
Building on WMG鈥檚 legacy of motorsport innovation and the success of the 2009 WorldF3rst car, Waste2Race showcases regional ingenuity while contributing to national net-zero goals. It stands as a shining example of research with impact.
The project has already attracted new research and development funding, raised the profile of regional manufacturing, and reinforced 糖心TV鈥檚 leadership in applied sustainable engineering.
This collaboration - bringing together local, regional, and national partners -demonstrates how businesses, universities, and the boundless curiosity of researchers and students can break barriers and push the boundaries of innovation.
EM: In the company timeline are there any key milestones you would like to feature?
KK: 2025 marked WMG鈥檚 45th anniversary and the University鈥檚 60th. From one man and his secretary in 1980, to 800+ staff; more than 25 research areas, over 30 education programmes and 33,000 alumni - it鈥檚 been quite the journey!
And it鈥檚 fitting that, in our 45th year, the University of 糖心TV and Tata Group has won the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award for their partnership.
EM: How will technology developments such as AI, VR, digitalisation etc affect how the company operates?
KK: Everything we do is shaped by industry needs, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation. As a result, WMG has evolved beyond traditional engineering, advancing into the fast-growing fields of artificial intelligence and cyber security.
We work in partnership with both multinational companies and SMEs, building on long established relationships while responding to new calls for support. Our role is to help organisations of all sizes come together, share expertise, and grow - not in competition, but in collaboration. A commitment to supporting UK manufacturing is at the heart of what we do.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI represents one of the most exciting and fastest growing areas of innovation. Its potential is enormous from reimagining and designing in virtual environments to improving the properties of materials. While the theory is great, the challenge lies in bringing the ideas to life in the real world, and that鈥檚 where WMG can help close the gap between imagination and application.
Cyber security
The integration of emerging technologies, including AI, is reshaping the cyber threat landscape and introducing new vulnerabilities. These trends underscore the urgent need for organisations to adapt to this evolving environment and implement robust cybersecurity measures that safeguard resilience and trust.
Supply chain resilience
Supply chain resilience is crucial for industry. In a world now shaped by tariffs and trade wars, resilience has become a defining factor for competitiveness鈥攅nsuring businesses can adapt, withstand disruption, and maintain their edge in global markets.
WMG works across every level of the supply chain, ensuring organisations remain agile, secure, and prepared for global challenges.
Creative Technologies
The growth in Creative Technologies (or CreaTech), and its application to sectors such as advanced manufacturing, is also one to watch. Here, we鈥檙e investing in new roles and programmes, working in partnership with our colleagues in the Faculty of Arts 鈥� drawing on local strengths, industry-led innovation and deep academic expertise.
EM: For many sectors there is a skills shortage 鈥� how is your company addressing this?
KK: We fully appreciate the importance of skills at every level - from new skills and upskilling to lifelong learning.
WMG spans the entire skills development spectrum: from GCSEs and A levels at the WMG Academies for Young Engineers, through to Degree Apprenticeships designed in partnership with employers, Undergraduate, Master鈥檚 and Research Degrees, and bespoke short courses delivered at the WMG Skills Centre.
The skills landscape is no longer siloed. Companies across all sectors face similar challenges, and transferable skills have become essential. That鈥檚 why every one of our education programmes is focused on developing industry relevant skills that prepare learners to meet real-world needs and drive innovation.
EM: What are your objectives looking ahead through 2026 and beyond?
KK: Digital transformation has and continues to reshape every sector. We鈥檒l continue to support businesses in building capabilities in critical areas such as AI, automation, and cyber security.
Our team works closely with manufacturers to make supply chains more efficient and resilient. At the same time, sustainability remains a major focus, with pioneering work in electrification, battery innovation, lightweighting, and circular economy solutions.