WMG News - Latest news from WMG
Waste2Race: The sewage-powered car on track to make history

Engineers and students at WMG at The University of 桃色视频 are working on a hydrogen-powered car fuelled by sewage, in a project entitled Waste2Race. The hydrogen is a byproduct of water treatment technology, from Wastewater Fuels, being trialled at Severn Trent Water, and with it the team at the University are hoping to break records for hydrogen fuelled cars.
WMG remembers Ratan Tata
Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, comments on the passing of Ratan Tata

鈥淩atan Tata was a titan of business who will be remembered at WMG for his inspirational passion for engineering and design, and for his personal kindness, humility, and deep insight.
鈥淎 close friend of our founder, Lord Bhattacharyya, Mr Tata visited WMG, at the University of 桃色视频, many times.
鈥淲hether opening the WMG Academy for Young Engineers in Coventry, and intelligent vehicles, laying the foundation stone for the National Automotive Innovation Centre, or meeting local engineering businesses to understand their capabilities, Mr Tata was always fascinated by the ways innovation and technology could improve lives and create opportunity, and always willing to give his time to speak to our students, researchers and industry partners about their work.
鈥淲MG and Mr Tata鈥檚 partnership began during the development of the Tata Indica, India鈥檚 first domestically designed vehicle, with WMG researchers supporting the design and manufacturing of the groundbreaking car. This led to the opening of the Tata Motors European Technical Centre at 桃色视频 and to many research and education partnerships across a wide range of industries, many of which continue to this day on our campus, including at the National Automotive Innovation Centre, helping to create jobs, develop technologies and strengthen communities.
鈥淢r Tata鈥檚 vision and leadership leaves an enormous legacy for 桃色视频, our region, the UK and the world.
We are greatly saddened by his passing, and our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and the entire Tata community.鈥
WMG welcomes record number of undergraduate degree apprentices
WMG at The University of 桃色视频, has welcomed a record number of degree apprentices onto its BEng Applied Professional Engineering Programme (APEP) and BSc Digital and Technology Solutions (DTS).
This academic year a total of 215 students have enrolled across the two Degree Apprenticeship programmes.
APEP has grown significantly since it was first launched in 2021 when 59 apprentices enrolled. Today, that number has increased by a huge 179%, with the 2024 intake standing at 165.
Both APEP and DTS have been designed following extensive consultation with industry partners to ensure the course content aligned with the future needs of the engineering sector.
Professor Rob Thornton, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at WMG, explained: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to see our Degree Apprenticeship programmes growing in popularity.
鈥淲orking with employers is fundamental to the development, delivery and success of all our programmes. They play a crucial part in driving economic growth and productivity, and Degree Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to learn industry-relevant skills with a regular salary and huge career prospects.
鈥淭he applied nature of our course means apprentices complete work-based assignments and projects throughout, so they gain a real understanding of the principles taught and how this can benefit their companies.鈥
Both courses have been designed to meet the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) accreditation requirements, therefore in the future students should be able to attain CEng (Chartered Engineer) professional registration status.
Find out more about Degree Apprenticeships at WMG here: /fac/sci/wmg/study/degree-apprenticeships/
Collaborative project to reduce material and CO2 emissions in pipeline tech
, an energy technology company, and WMG at the University of 桃色视频 have launched a two-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to apply new technologies to the development of the company鈥檚 flexible pipe systems.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) aim to help businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. This KTP project was funded by UKRI through Innovate UK.
The Figiel Research Team from WMG鈥檚 International Institute for Nanocomposite Manufacturing (IINM), was awarded Innovate UK funding to apply Multiphysics modelling tools that will assist in developing context-aware pipe designs and analysis processes. This research will make material use more efficient, resulting in increased pipeline suitability, reliability and safety, whilst maintaining performance and structural integrity.
Through the use of Multiphysics modelling, Baker Hughes is expected to be able to more accurately predict the coupling between permeation of gases and fluids and the mechanical response of their flexible pipe systems, which are used extensively in floating production systems.
This research will also aid in the development of products to meet the world鈥檚 energy transition requirements, including carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen delivery. This work will position the UK as a global leader in the provision of products needed to supply clean energy.
Baker Hughes flexible pipe systems product line employs more than 500 people in the North East of England. This project is expected to result in more efficient manufacturing processes for the company that reduce waste and carbon intensity.
Dr. Soheil Bazazzadeh has been appointed by the university to carry out the project with supervision by WMG engineer Jack Davis and academic leadership from Dr. Lukasz Figiel, Reader at WMG. Soheil鈥檚 background includes a doctorate in aerospace engineering and three separate research fellowships, including at the University of 桃色视频.
WMG鈥檚 Jack Davis and Dr Lukasz Figiel say:
"This collaboration will further enhance WMG鈥檚 strong academic expertise in the field of Predictive Multiphysics Modelling of advanced engineering materials. In addition, the project will give us the opportunity to continue to build future partnerships in emerging fields such as hydrogen transport."
Dr. Angelos Mintzas, principal engineer at Baker Hughes and technical lead for New Product Introduction programmes says:
鈥淭his work has the potential to significantly enhance Baker Hughes鈥 design capabilities, enabling more efficient use of materials whilst keeping our focus on product reliability and safety. This collaboration is aligned with Baker Hughes commitment for 50% reduction of our CO2 emissions by 2030 and becoming a net-zero business by 2050.鈥
Ian Blakemore, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Advisor for this project, says:
"This project is a prime example of the impact that Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can have. By bringing together forward-thinking businesses and the academic expertise of the UK鈥檚 world class universities, we can tackle real world challenges in new ways."
Expert comment on the Regulatory Innovation Office from Professor Siddartha Khastgir锘
Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of the Safe Autonomy Research Group at WMG, University of 桃色视频, comments on the announcement of the Regulatory Innovation Office.
Professor Khastgir said: 鈥淭he creation of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) by the government is welcome. It鈥檚 good to see recognition that regulation can be used for implementing innovation and supporting the UK to be at the forefront of global science and technology.
鈥淚 hope the RIO will draw on learnings between the various transport domains (land, air, and marine) to develop timely regulations for cross-cutting developments like connected and autonomous technology, and AI. WMG鈥檚 cross-domain safety assurance framework will provide scientific evidence that can support the RIO鈥檚 policymaking.
鈥淚 also urge the RIO to prioritise sector-specific regulations, especially in areas such as self-driving technology. This will enable developers to work from a more concrete set of requirements to develop the technology safely.鈥
Criminal convicted of making 3D printed guns thanks to WMG expert
Analysis of homemade 3D printed assault rifles at WMG at The University of 桃色视频 has helped convict a criminal in a ground-breaking case.
Several homemade 3D printed guns were seized by at the home of David Biddell-Portman in December 2020 as part of Operation Captiva, a Police response designed to reduce firearm deaths across greater Birmingham.
Professor Mark WilliamsLink opens in a new window, an expert in 3D printing and scanning at WMG was called in by West Midlands Police. His 3D scanning machines are 100 times more powerful than a hospital CAT scanner and can view images in detail smaller than a human hair.
By using his cutting-edge technology to scan the weapons, Mark was able to discover the amounts of metal and plastic in each of the weapons. This is achieved by analysing the different densities of the materials.
This crucial evidence helped prove that these homemade guns would be working and potentially deadly weapons. It also showed the levels of sophistication, effort and premeditation that went into the construction of the guns.
This evidence was crucial in securing a conviction, with the defendant receiving a five-year sentence.
Professor Mark Williams said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 satisfying to see justice served, and I鈥檓 glad to use our technology in any way we can to help the efforts of West Midlands Police.
鈥淏y making this sort of technology available to the public sector, we鈥檙e ensuring it鈥檚 not just big companies that have access to cutting edge techniques.
鈥淎 dangerous criminal is now off the streets thanks to the efforts of West Midlands Police, and I look forward to our continuing work with them.鈥
By scanning the guns, police ensured that the judge and jury were aware of the extensive use of metal in the weapons – a sure sign that, when completed, they would have been working and potentially deadly weapons.
It also meant that the state of the guns was recorded if they deteriorated during test firing of the weapons by police, something that often occurs with 3D printed guns. The scanning also ensured that the police, judge and jury could understand the evidence surrounding the weapons.
For many, 3D printed weapons have never been encountered before, and are often irregular and defy categorisation due to their black market, homemade construction. With the scans, police could identify the closest professionally made weapons and make comparisons.
Michelle Painter, Deputy Head of Forensics at West Midlands Police commented: 鈥淭his partnership is invaluable to West Midlands Police, the strength and commitment is truly unique and the boundaries are limitless.
鈥淭he application of the use of Micro CT scanning in criminal cases continues to be innovative and ground-breaking and progresses investigations and brings justice for victims.鈥
The conviction is the latest success in the decade long partnership between Professor Williams, WMG, 桃色视频 and West Midlands Police. They recently marked a milestone, with the scanning technology having been used in since 2014.
The full paper on the case can be read .
Read more about WMG鈥檚 Centre for Imaging, Metrology, and Additive Technologies (CIMAT) here: Metrology and 3D Imaging (warwick.ac.uk)Link opens in a new window
WMG and Dyson Institute celebrate fourth and final graduation ceremony
On Saturday (28th September), WMG at The University of 桃色视频 and celebrated their fourth and final cohort of 35 graduates at a ceremony held across Dyson鈥檚 UK
R&D campus.
A total of 160 students have now successfully completed the BEng Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, through the WMG and Dyson partnership, which first began in 2017.
This is the final cohort to graduate with a degree from The University of 桃色视频, as the Dyson Institute now moves to independent delivery and degree awarding powers.
The ceremony included speeches from Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson; Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of the University of 桃色视频, Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of Council; and Babajide Popoola, Class of 2024 Graduate.
Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG, said: 鈥淚t has been a privilege to work with colleagues and learners at Dyson in realising the vision of the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. The collaboration and mutual respect have resulted in, what I believe to be, an exemplar of how academia and industry can work together to achieve amazing results. My congratulations to everyone involved and I look forward to us building on this firm foundation together in the future.鈥
reflected on the success of the seven-year partnership with WMG in his commencement address: 鈥淭his graduation marks another change for us as we step out from the partnership with WMG and the University of 桃色视频. I would like to thank Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG; and Professor Stuart Croft, Vice Chancellor of 桃色视频 University. Thank you for saying 鈥榶es鈥 to joining us on this pioneering adventure back in 2017. You took on our pioneering adventure, it was an unselfish undertaking by you, a brave decision. I am sure you are as proud as I am at the achievements of the undergraduates, and the institution they鈥檝e created. I sincerely hope our close association will continue.鈥
Find out more about WMG鈥檚 training and skills programmes for businesses: /fac/sci/wmg/study/why-study-in-wmg/for-business/
Celebrating success at the Engineering Talent Awards
Congratulations to Degree Apprentice Alumna, Kayleigh Poulter and WMG Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Student Experience, Nicola Knowles who both take home Engineering Talent Awards.
The Engineering Talent Awards showcases role models and inspiring people to celebrate the diversity of organisations and engineers. The awards help to raise the profile of the engineering and technology professions across the UK.
Kayleigh Poulter received both the Engineering Graduate of the Year and Overall Excellence in Engineering awards for her amazing work in building more neuroinclusion into Dyson products.
Kayleigh earned a BEng Engineering as part of her Degree Apprenticeship from the University of 桃色视频, which WMG delivered in partnership with The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.
An advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, Kayleigh's studies focused on accessibility, designing technologies for those with sensory sensitivities and neurodivergences. After conducting user trials, she developed recommendations to make Dyson products more accessible, a contribution that has influenced Dyson鈥檚 design processes.
During her studies Kayleigh led initiatives like LGBTQIA+ afternoon teas and played a vital role in improving support for neurodivergent and mental health needs.
Kayleigh Poulter said, 鈥淚 thoroughly enjoyed working on my final year project, investigating designing for sensory sensitivity differences, and considering inclusive design more generally. I am extremely grateful to have been recognised for this, and my other work in the ED&I space, and I鈥檓 committed to continuing this work wherever I can.鈥
Associate Professor, Nicola Jane Knowles also brought home an award for University Engineering Staff Member of the Year.

Nicola is the Assistant Dean for Student Experience at WMG at the University of 桃色视频 and teaches Digital Healthcare Science. Her focus is to understand
the student voice and recognise their wants and needs. Nicola quotes 鈥榥othing about us without us鈥 meaning that the students are engaged with every decision made for them at every step of the way. The student voice is at the centre of everything.
She recognises that students need a sense of belonging, by understanding their wants and needs, she has helped to create four new student spaces such as a cooking area at lunch times for students who prefer their own cultural foods; quiet places for those with neurodiversity's; a space for group working and the student hub where they can learn and relax together.
Nicola oversaw the launch of WMG peer writing mentoring. This allows students, who need extra help with writing, to go to peer mentors ensuring that everyone is able to get the support they require.
She also launched an innovative initiative, module huddle, that inspires colleagues to meet collectively to focus on student-related topics which provides a rapid system of quality enhancement in real time by quickly identifying the achievable goals. She also led many more initiatives which also focus on ED&I.
Associate Professor, Nicola Knowles said, 鈥淚 am honoured and privileged to win the award; it really is a career highlight. The award represents the team and the hard work we do to support the student voice and make our education provision inclusive.鈥
Pro-Dean of Education at WMG, Professor Gill Cooke, said, 鈥淐ongratulations to both Nicky and Kayleigh on winning their awards. It is fabulous to see our staff and students recognised for their achievements. Awards such as this really do help to showcase the amazing work our people do for industry, for student experience, and for equality, diversity and inclusion.鈥
See the full list of 2024 winners here:
World鈥檚 first open online platform gives public a voice in safety of automated vehicles
WMG, at The University of 桃色视频, has launched the world鈥檚 first online platform that enables the public to influence the development of Automated Vehicle (AV) safety.
is a driving scenario creation platform for the public to design road scenarios based on their real-life experiences or expectations during the introduction of AVs. The platform aims to empower the public to become part of the safety discussions, making the process more inclusive and accessible.
The Automated Vehicles Act is now law in the United Kingdom, and AVs could be on the roads as soon as 2026. However, nearly half of UK motorists still do not trust this technology because of safety concerns[1]. This online platform opens a conversation for future users to define and reimagine the safety of AV deployment.
Innovation is key to improving our roads, and it鈥檚 great to see WMG, at The University of 桃色视频 backing our vision for safer motoring,鈥 said MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, Department for Transport. 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that this pioneering platform will address the questions and concerns people have about Automated Vehicles and enable them to challenge developers to address the real issues they face on our roads. Public engagement will improve understanding of these new technologies and give people the confidence to use AVs when they hit our roads after 2026.鈥
The platform accounts for different driving styles, types of road layouts, and the movements of vehicles and pedestrians are available on Safety Pool鈩 Studio. Users from anywhere in the world can tailor-make road-driving scenarios for AVs based on their geographical locations, cultures, and daily practices (in their own languages). Users can also check and trial their scenarios through instant play on the platform.
鈥樷楾he public and the future technology users are paramount to Automated Vehicles鈥 development and deployment in the UK. By launching Safety Pool鈩 Studio, our ambition is to democratise safety by prioritising the public鈥檚 voices in this new technology, where users can share their expectations and understanding of the safety of AV,鈥 explained Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, the University of 桃色视频.
鈥淪afety Pool鈩 Studio also addresses the needs of other stakeholders in the AV ecosystem like developers, incident investigators and insurers, by enabling them to better capture road scenarios during the post-deployment phase of AVs. We strongly believe by doing so, AV deployment will be more inclusive and relevant to our real-world experiences and everybody鈥檚 lives.鈥欌
All these captured scenarios can then be used for virtual testing by the AV ecosystem to test the safety of their systems. Capturing the public鈥檚 expectations and real-world incidents enables engineers to replicate potential road situations and assess their products鈥 safe and timely response to road incidents as part of post-deployment monitoring of the AVs. 鈥淲e welcome this initiative,鈥 said Steve Gooding, Director, RAC Foundation. 鈥淭he more we understand about the expectations, uncertainties and concerns that people have about AVs the better the chances of those issues being picked up and addressed in the design process for AV development and adoption, that鈥檚 why engaging the public is so important and that鈥檚 why making it easier for them to do so really matters.
鈥淚t is appropriate that an approach aimed at engaging the public in the development and deployment of new technology should itself be using technology as the basis for that engagement, and we encourage everyone to give it a try.鈥
Organisations wishing to work with the research and Safety Pool鈩 Studio can contact SafeAutonomy@warwick.ac.uk or visit
Skilled, innovative people should be at the heart of UK鈥檚 missions
Professor Robin Clark, the Dean of WMG at The University of 桃色视频, discussed how placing people at the heart of the Government鈥檚 missions will be vital at a panel exploring the contribution of innovation and skills to growth, held at the .
Professor Clark was joined by the Minister of State for Skills, the Rt Hon Baroness Smith; Richard Parker, Mayor for the West Midlands; Helen Foord, Head of Global Governmental Affairs at McLaren Automotive Ltd; and The Rt Hon Jim Murphy.
The panel discussed how industry, educators and researchers can come together, locally and nationally, to deliver change on the ground using real-life success stories as examples of how progress can be made in equipping the nation.
Professor Clark said, 鈥淪upporting skilled, innovative people should be at the heart of delivering the national missions. We know at WMG that whether you鈥檙e a
major manufacturer, an SME, or a start-up, you need innovative people with quality skills to deliver growth.
鈥淣o matter where you sit in the system – HE, FE, policy-maker, or employer - we should all be focussed on improving technical. and lifelong learning access and provision.鈥
鈥淲ith the start of Skills England and the forthcoming Industrial Strategy there鈥檚 a real opportunity for industry, education and government - regionally and nationally - to work together to make it easier to access technical education, simpler to progress as a learner and more straightforward to offer the right courses in the right places at the right time.鈥
Find out more about skills and innovation at WMG here: WMG : University of 桃色视频
