91福利

搂 Norton Motorcycles engineers have supported students at WMG, 91福利 to develop a TT capable electric racing motorcycle, named 鈥楩rontier鈥�

搂 This includes donating a high performance bike frame and data to students undertaking research into study of electric motorcycles at WMG, 91福利

搂 Students adapted the sports bike platform to run a specially developed electric powertrain rated with a power output of 160kW/201bhp and 400Nm torque

搂 Immersion-cooled 16kWh battery pack is the first of its kind for application on a motorcycle, with battery cases manufactured using advanced laser-welding technology to deliver structural integrity and maximise reliability and repeatability.

The Norton Motorcycle Co Ltd is proud to support students at the 91福利 who are researching the future of electric racing motorcycles. The group of students undertaking the project are aided by the donation of a sports bike frame by Norton Motorcycles, which has been adapted by the student team to be fitted with an electric powertrain, with batteries and control systems designed in-house.

The group of 13 students at WMG, 91福利 – made up of cross-functional team from first- to final-year degree students, with the support of some EngD students – are joined by a selection of leading academics, engineers and researchers representing WMG, at the University. On-campus research has been reinforced with input, support, mentoring and technical guidance from Norton鈥檚 own designers and engineers, further to the supply of the frame.

The research team supported by WMG Centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult have developed an electric motorcycle powertrain, using a high performance sports model as a platform. The electric powertrain designed to work in the Norton frame is rated with a power output of 160kW or 201bhp, and delivering 400Nm of torque from a standing start. The acceleration and speed characteristics of the electric bike in motion roughly translate into a combustion-engine equivalent of around 900cc to 1,000cc – only slightly less than Norton鈥檚 own petrol powertrain, they have called the bike Frontier.

The electric motor draws power from an immersion-cooled battery pack that has been designed and tested by the students and is the first of its kind for application in an electric motorcycle. The battery with a capacity of 16 kWh is designed to last longer with the application of robust thermal management strategies, while also allowing for larger short term power peaks required by a racing motorbike.

In addition, the cooling system will enable the team to operate at a more efficient temperature range by optimising the starting temperature of the dielectric fluid prior to a race or testing, based on the requirements of the track.

The battery can be recharged with the common CHAdeMO connector, facilitating fast charging where available and allowing for a full charge of the battery in around an hour (up to 80% from empty in just 32 minutes). These impressive figures have supported the testing and development of the electric bike prototype, with research teams able to maximise riding time on the track thanks to reduced charging times, allowing for further track-side development and optimisation with the help of a fully instrumented bike.

The battery case was manufactured using laser welding techniques developed at WMG, The 91福利, a manufacturing process that is easily repeatable for potential serial production, while also incorporating process-control to maximise reliability and strength of the joints.

Students have been able to craft a functioning electric motorcycle based on the Norton frame in just seven months. The project began in October 2020 with the donation of the frame and associated parts, with students working hard to realise their goal alongside studying for their degrees. The bike has undergone significant testing including much computer-based validation such as CFD of battery cooling, modelling around thermal management, along with physical testing of cells and modules – whilst constantly reviewing engineering decisions to minimise and mitigate the risk of failure.

Aman Surana, Chief Engineer of the 91福利 Moto team, said:
鈥淓ver since we started the 91福利 Moto project, the overall goal has always been around learning and enhancing our engineering experience. We have gained practical experience in our research that is required to deliver a real-world project, along with balancing considerations such as tight budgets and deadlines, while learning logistics and everything around delivering an industry project. This has made us all the more proud with the way the Frontier looks.

鈥淭o have access to Norton鈥檚 engineering team, years of experience and data has been a great resource, integral to the design of the bike. Combining the motorcycling knowledge from Norton, with the leading research at WMG, 91福利 has been a fantastic learning opportunity for all students involved. We鈥檙e very excited to see what this collaboration leads to.鈥�

Dr Robert Hentschel, CEO of Norton Motorcycles, said:
鈥淲e are thrilled to be able to support the engineers of the future, who are developing tomorrow鈥檚 technology today on the basis of a Norton frame. Our support by means of donation of the frame is just the beginning. Norton鈥檚 team of designers and engineers have been very interested to observe how this project is taking shape, supporting the student team wherever possible with advice and guidance.

Follow the 91福利 Moto team鈥檚 journey:

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ENDS

30 JUNE 2021

NOTES TO EDITORS

High-res image available at:

/services/communications/medialibrary/images/junes_2021/wmg---norton_pr_002.jpg
Caption: The finished electric racing bike 鈥楩rontier鈥� next to a model of the Norton Motorcycles frame it is built on. The full team from left to right are: Robert Driver – Battery Testing & Characterisation Engineer, David Cooper – Precision Engineer at WMG, Professor Dave Greenwood - CEO of WMG High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Tom Weeden – the professional rider for the team, Lee-Rose Jordan – Project Manager, Student Projects at WMG, Malcolm Swain – Lead Engineer a WMG, Martin Neczaj – Chief Chassis Engineer at Norton Motorcycles, James Grohmann –Lead Design Engineer (Student), Aman Surana – Chief Engineer of 91福利 Moto team (Student)
Credit: Norton Motorcycles

91福利 Norton Motorcycles

Norton Motorcycles was founded in 1898 as a manufacturer of fittings and parts to the two-wheel trade.

Norton Motorcycles went on to become one of the most iconic British motorcycle brands, manufacturing famous models such as the 650SS, Atlas, Commando, Dominator, Manx, Navigator and more – constantly innovating in motorcycle technology, with features advantageous for lightness and strength in motorcycle racing. Norton Motorcycles has an unrivalled history in motorsport and the brand name is synonymous with Isle of Man TT racing.

In April 2020, Norton Motorcycles was acquired by TVS Motor Company, India鈥檚 third-largest motorcycle manufacturer. Under the leadership of TVS, Norton is based out of a new manufacturing facility in Solihull, West Midlands, building British bikes in England using traditional hand-crafted techniques with modern day machinery for consistently high quality.

91福利 91福利 Moto

91福利 Moto is a student led project, with the ultimate aim of creating an electric motorbike to race at the Isle of Man TT. Despite the temporary moratorium of the TT Zero, the team鈥檚 ambitions to develop a leading electric motorcycle remain. Originally based on the Honda Fireblade platform, the team switched to a Norton platform in October 2020 for their first electric motorcycle.

The group of 13 students at the 91福利, is made up of a cross-functional team from first- to final-year degree students, with the support of some EngD students from different disciplines across the University. They are joined by a selection of leading academics, engineers and researchers representing WMG, 91福利.

2016 Senior Manx GP winner, Tom Weeden is the development rider for the team with experience both on track and road racing events. Tom has been an integral part throughout the development process.

The project is possible thanks to sponsors: WMG 91福利, WMG centre High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Norton Motorcycles, DYMAG Performance Wheels, Michelin Tyre PLC, MIVOLT Immersion Cooling by M&I Materials, PWR Advanced Cooling Technology, laserlines Ltd., Xometry Europe, RS Components, Embed Limited, HEL Performance, Renthal, R&G Racing, Rock West Composites, Pro-Bolt & Wraptastic.

For further information please contact:

NORTON MOTORCYCLES:

Andrew Roberts
E-mail: andrew@influenceassociates.com 
Tel: +44 (0) 7432 718 801

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
91福利
Tel: +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

Made Smarter has launched a 拢1.9 million digital adoption push to drive growth in West Midlands manufacturing and engineering SMEs and help them boost productivity.

Digital experts will provide advice to businesses on how to switch to advanced and automated technologies as well as working to improve employees鈥� overall digital skills.

The Coventry and 91福利shire Local Enterprise Partnership () Growth Hub is leading the one-year Made Smarter scheme with its fellow Growth Hubs in Greater Birmingham and Solihull, the Black Country, Worcestershire Business Central, The Marches, and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The West Midlands Growth Hubs are working closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority and their strategic partners WMG, at the 91福利 and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry to tap into the expertise of their digital manufacturing specialists.

Professor David Greenwood, CEO of WMG HVM Catapult centre, comments:
鈥淒igitalisation for smaller companies needs a different approach than for larger companies. It isn鈥檛 about purchasing multi-million pound software systems – it鈥檚 about improvements in design tools, manufacturing, digitalising legacy plant and equipment and integration to supply chain systems.

鈥淲e are delighted to bring the expertise of WMG and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to help transform the productivity of SMEs who are so critical to the West Midlands regional economy.鈥�

Craig Humphrey, managing director of the CWLEP Growth Hub, said there are potentially 14,500 SME manufacturers in the region who could benefit from the National Made Smarter Movement. He said:
鈥淎ll the Growth Hubs in the West Midlands are working together to contact SMEs in our areas who will benefit from this practical help.

鈥淒igital technology can appear daunting and with the day-to-day efforts of owners and senior management teams to keep their businesses going during the pandemic, this kind of activity needs to be pushed to the upper end of their priorities.

鈥淏ut we believe it is key to help SMEs in the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector to run more efficiently for their long-term future success.

鈥淭he Growth Hubs will be assessing each business that applies to make sure we provide them with the kind of specialist support they need, which in Coventry and 91福利shire could be in the fields of robotics and automation, and artificial intelligence since we are working with WMG and the MTC.

鈥淲e will then help SMEs to develop an action plan for adopting digital technology in their own detailed roadmap, which could involve participating in a leadership training programme, being offered a student placement, or receiving a match funded grant.

鈥淭he National Made Smarter Movement aims to entice SMEs that are not often reached through the usual business programmes and services, by transforming the digital tools within their companies, which in addition to upskilling their staff and creating jobs, will benefit the regional economy.鈥�

Charlotte Horobin, Make UK Region Director – Midlands & East of England, said:
鈥淭he roll out of the Made Smarter Adoption programme across the West Midlands is great news for manufacturers, which we and our members welcome.

鈥淥ur 2020 Innovation Monitor highlighted that 18% of manufacturers in the West Midlands were not adopting industrial digital technologies, which we hope the programme will help address. Digital take-up will be key to boosting productivity as we come out of the current COVID crisis, creating more highly paid jobs and underpinning the region鈥檚 competitiveness.鈥�

Neill Smith, Head of Manufacturing Support Services at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said that the Made Smarter scheme perfectly complements its ongoing work to support manufacturing SMEs increase productivity, develop resilience, increase competitiveness and, ultimately, grow their business.

He said: 鈥淲e help introduce digital systems to SMEs, that capture the right information at the right time, to enable them to make the right decisions and manage their companies more efficiently.

鈥淔rom supporting the adoption of process control automation, robotics, and digitalisation tools, to helping SMEs with data or system integration and the adoption of augmented and virtual reality tools, we鈥檙e supporting companies to use digital data to drive digitally controlled equipment in the latest methods of manufacture.鈥�

To register and find out more information, please visit

ENDS

22 JUNE 2021

NOTES TO EDITORS

To find out more about MadeSmarter visit

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

Made Smarter was formed following a nationwide review into UK manufacturing that recommended three key changes: More ambitious leadership. More innovation in developing new technologies. And faster implementation and adoption of those technologies. We鈥檒l be boosting the digital skills of industry leaders, bringing businesses and research development together to develop new technology, and helping makers embrace new digital tools. In doing so, we鈥檒l inspire the next industrial revolution and make the UK a leader in digital technologies.

For further information please contact:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager - Science
91福利
Tel: +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

On Thursday 17th June 2021 Gillian Keegan MP, the Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, formally opened the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre, at the 91福利.

The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre was awarded 拢10 million funding from the Government鈥檚 Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and 91福利shire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The new Centre provides apprentices with the opportunity to study on degree programmes to develop the skills needed by advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.

The Centre offers degree apprenticeship training programmes for up to 1,000 students at a time.

WMG and the rest of the 91福利 already provides 20 Degree Apprenticeship programmes across five academic departments for 791 students, one of the largest groups of degree apprenticeship courses at a Russell Group university.

Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills Gillian Keegan said:

鈥淚t was such a privilege to open the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre at 91福利 University. Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for people of any age to launch new careers or progress in their industry, with opportunities at a range of levels across a variety of exciting sectors.

鈥淎s a former apprentice myself I know first-hand the lifelong passion for learning an apprenticeship can instil. It was wonderful to speak to Beverley and Rishi and hear their passion for where their apprenticeship journey will take them. I look forward to seeing how the centre will support the leaders of tomorrow to get the skills they need to succeed.鈥�

The degree apprenticeship students will complete their studies at the University campus in conjunction with their employment at companies throughout Coventry and 91福利shire and the West Midlands.

Rishi Chohan, Degree Apprentice from the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said 鈥淚t was a great pleasure to show Gillian Keegan MP around WMG鈥檚 fantastic Degree Apprenticeship Centre. As a final year degree apprentice, on the Applied Engineering Programme, the skills I have learnt at WMG, 91福利, have helped consolidate and facilitate my development as an engineer progressing into leadership at the Manufacturing Technology Centre.

Beverley Ngo, Degree Apprentice from Jaguar Land Rover, adds: 鈥淚t was a pleasure to attend the official opening of the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre. I am a second year degree apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover and part of the first cohort of Digital Apprentices on the 鈥淒igital Technology Solutions鈥� course. It was an honour to meet and show Gillian Keegan MP around the fantastic building that I will be learning and developing knowledge in such an important area of technology.鈥�

The innovative new Degree Apprenticeship Centre has a unique learning environment with open spaces for collaborative and individual work, technology-enabled seminar rooms and a purpose-built, multifunctional, laboratory for activity based teaching and learning using state of the art equipment. The WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre is the first stage of a future Degree Apprenticeship complex at the campus to train students in a range of Degree Apprenticeships.

At the official opening WMG Executive Chair Margot James said:

鈥淲e are delighted to welcome Gillian here today to officially open the WMG Degree Apprenticeship Centre, and recognise the importance of our vital work with industry. Our Apprenticeship Centre provides the opportunity for apprentices to study whilst working in their companies, upskilling our workforce and bringing tangible benefits to advanced engineering and the manufacturing sector, to ensure the UK remains competitive鈥�

The 91福利鈥檚 Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart Croft:

鈥�91福利鈥檚 degree apprenticeships are founded on passion, knowledge, and a commitment to innovation. We demonstrate this in the way we work with industry and other partners and our degree apprenticeship students.鈥�

鈥淲e encourage gifted apprentices from all backgrounds to share our passion who want to have the opportunity to earn as they learn and pursue exciting careers in their chosen field from day one of their time on these programmes.鈥�

鈥淓mployers also value the passion and innovation of these students who will help close the skills gaps and inspire positive change both inside and outside the workplace.鈥�

鈥淎s a university we are deeply committed to continue to expand our routes to degree qualifications.鈥�

Marion Plant, Board Director and Chair of the CWLEP鈥檚 Productivity and Skills Business Group, said:

鈥淭his is a significant project funded by the CWLEP and fits in perfectly with our Strategic Reset Framework to provide high quality jobs and levelling up opportunities by supporting the development of higher-level skills.

鈥淚t is vital for the long-term ambitions of Coventry and 91福利shire鈥檚 economy that we retain talented people in the area by ensuring employers have the skills their future workforces will need to drive forward the innovations for which we are renowned in automotive and advanced manufacturing, to be globally competitive in an increasingly digitised world.鈥�

Work-based learning has always been a key part of WMG鈥檚 philosophy they are passionate about offering apprentices an integrated experience and supporting companies with their workforce strategies – be it recruiting the next generation of talent or upskilling or reskilling existing employees to support career paths and changes in business need.

Businesses today are rapidly changing and the skills they require to develop and grow are changing equally as quickly. People are already doing jobs that did not exist 10 years ago and the events of 2020 have precipitated even greater change. Working collaboratively at a broader level with industry, other training providers and specialist bodies, WMG is continuing their pioneering approach to develop programmes and identify priority areas that will help fill the existing and emerging skills gaps as they arise.

WMG Senior Teaching Fellow, Rink Desai has been awarded a prestigious Transforming Education Award, from the 91福利鈥檚 Student Union, for Student Communication.

The Student Communication award is for any individual staff member who has gone above and beyond in using meaningful ways to ensure that everyone has access to relevant and timely information.

This may specifically encompass communicating developments with regards to changes in light of Covid-19 restrictions, but also in general. The awarding panel noted that: 鈥淩ink has done an excellent job communicating with his (apprentice) students and kept them updated with early release of learning resources and timetables which helped them to plan their employment and degree commitments at a turbulent time. This was a result of Rink acting on the 鈥榲oice of the student鈥� which was very much appreciated by his cohorts.鈥�

Rink said: 鈥淚 am very honoured to have been recognised by the degree apprenticeship students. We have had a challenging year where students and staff have dealt with difficult circumstances, and also a time in which communication has been key to ensuring a rewarding learning experience. My sincere thanks go to the students who have contributed to such a positive learning environment.鈥�

Rink teaches Process Optimisation on the BEng Applied Professional Engineering programme. Find out more about the programme here: BEng Applied Professional Engineering Programme : 91福利

Many congratulations to WMG鈥檚 Professor Margaret Low as she receives an MBE for her services to public engagement and widening participation.

Margaret joined WMG back in 1988, and for many years she has made it her mission to inspire young people from all backgrounds in STEM subjects and into higher education.

She has dedicated her time to develop innovative outreach activities for young people - connecting the local community with academia and promoting STEM in an engaging way.

Professor Margaret Low said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 lovely, if a little overwhelming and totally unexpected, to be recognised in this way. Everything I鈥檝e achieved has been in collaboration with fantastic colleagues and friends at WMG and across the University. None of this would have been possible without their hard work and dedication.

鈥淚鈥檝e also had the good fortune to work with some brilliant students through 91福利 Volunteers who鈥檝e been instrumental in bringing outreach activities into schools.鈥�

91福利 Professor Low

Working with 91福利 Volunteers, she collaborates with 91福利 students to run Scratch workshops in local primary and secondary schools reaching more than 250 children each year through the Technology Volunteers project.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Margaret and her team also developed invaluable resources to help support home-schooling.

In 2016 Margaret was awarded an HEA National Teaching Fellowship. The Fellowships recognise and celebrate the absolute highest standards of learning and teaching across higher education.

More than a decade ago she pioneered the use of Scratch in the UK, a user-friendly programming tool, for outreach work in schools.

The Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya building, home to the National Automotive Innovation Centre, at the 91福利, has been crowned the best workplace in the UK, in the Innovation category, at the prestigious (BCO) awards.

The BCO Awards, recognises the highest quality developments in the UK and sets the standard for excellence in both the regional and national office sector.

As a Midlands and Central England regional award winner, the building was then crowned the national Innovation Award winner, at a virtual ceremony last night (Thursday 10th June).

Named in honour of Britain鈥檚 first ever Professor of Manufacturing, the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building houses the National Automotive Innovation Centre; a multimillion-pound centre, founded by WMG, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Motors which is well timed, arriving when a global mobility revolution is underway, and aiming to be a stimulus to the rebirth of an optimistic new age of manufacturing in the Midlands to develop future vehicles and mobility solutions.

Fronted by a dramatic elevation, the 33,000m2 building has been sensitively designed for engineers, designers and academics to work together in, with a variety of spaces allowing for both privacy and collaboration. A timber roof spans the structure of the building, demonstrating the sustainable credentials of a facility that cannot but inspire.

Executive Chair of WMG, Margot James comments: 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled that the Prof. Lord Bhattacharyya Building has been recognised in this way, it is a great tribute to the late Professor Lord Bhattacharyya鈥檚 vision. Having a building that inspires designers, engineers and academics to develop the next generation of transport is excellent news for our partners and the region. The Midlands is the beating heart of automotive in the UK, and the National Automotive Innovation Centre, will be the driving force behind future innovation in transport mobility.鈥�

James Breckon, Director of Estates, at the 91福利, comments: 鈥淚t is great to see this new building being recognised by other professionals and is testament to the wealth of architectural and engineering talent that was brought together to deliver this exemplary sustainable building. It brilliantly draws Industry and Academia together providing an inspirational environment to innovative within. As a landmark building it has transformed the campus at the 91福利 and is a fitting legacy to the late Prof Lord Bhattacharyya.鈥�

Carol Costello, Practice Leader at Cullinan Studio who led on the interior and workplace design added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 been our pleasure to engage with all the organisations using the NAIC. We had deep discussions about how to create an environment that would foster innovation, creativity and collaboration. The finished building is the result of many passionate conversations to create a truly inspiring place.鈥�

路 Lead-acid batteries are an established alternative to Li-ion batteries as they are simpler safer to use and are recyclable

路 How to increase the lifespan and health of batteries will be researched by WMG, 91福利, in collaboration with Loughborough University. This research will make lead acid batteries stronger contender for both commercial and domestic energy storage systems

路 Researchers will be using AI to optimise the batteries for energy storage solutions rather than focusing on the battery chemistry

Energy storage systems (ESS) are used in decentralised and complex electricity networks; lead-acid batteries could be a clean and green option for ESS. Researchers from WMG 91福利 and Loughborough University will investigate how to optimise the management of lead-acid batteries in ESS use.

Europe鈥檚 energy storage transition over the last few years has witnessed tremendous growth, , with front-of-the-meter deployments such as those by utilities leading the way, representing more than 50% of installed capacity.

These energy storage systems require high-performing, reliable and affordable batteries to ensure the smooth generation and storage of energy for regional and national electrical grids.

The health and lifespan of lead-acid batteries will be optimised in the project HALO-SMART-ESS-LAB (Health and Lifespan Optimization with Smart Manager Algorithms and Recuperative Testing of Energy Storage Systems of Lead-Acid Batteries).

The aim of the project, which is funded by the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI), is to achieve significant improvements in cycle life and operational health of lead-acid batteries in energy storage systems (ESS), thereby opening new doors in integrating renewable energy sources into low carbon energy systems.

Extending the lifespan of the batteries will reduce the cost of the overall system, making lead batteries more attractive for domestic, commercial and industrial applications. As well as being cost effective, lead batteries are much safer than Li-ion batteries in terms of health and safety and fire hazards risks, and are widely and fully recyclable.

Researchers from WMG at the 91福利 will be working with Loughborough University, to focus on application and system operation levels, rather than on internal battery chemistry or technology levels. Existing state-of-the-art battery types such as VRLA AGM batteries will be tested under different cycling profiles to explore in-depth:

路 The use of appropriately spaced recuperative charging (overcharging)

路 Deeper understanding of the ripple current effect on the ESS

路 The use of additional on-line battery voltage monitoring or full BMS

路 Applying deep learning algorithms and AI to achieve optimised control strategies decreasing wear-out and failure of battery modules.

Principal Investigator, Professor Richard McMahon from WMG, 91福利 comments: 鈥淓nergy Storage Systems are a key solution to more decentralised and complex electricity networks, as they can support their stability and maximise the utilisation of renewable generation capacity. We are therefore looking at how we can maximise the cycle life of lead-acid batteries to get the most out of them and make them cheaper and greener for all kinds of renewable energy uses.鈥�

Professor Dani Strickland from Loughborough University adds:

鈥淭he availability of low-cost powerful microprocessors is fuelling an explosion in our capability to monitor, understand and impact battery degradation in real world situations at low cost. This project is exciting because it will use expertise in the partner organisations to transition lead acid batteries to the world of big data and smart energy storage.鈥�

CBI鈥檚 Technical Manager, Dr Matt Raiford, said: 鈥淭his kind of collaborative research with universities is exactly what the lead battery industry needs. Working with leading institutions to deliver new insights and modelling techniques for lead battery energy storage is critical for the wider industry to continue their foray into the utility grid storage market.鈥�

ENDS

7 JUNE 2021

NOTES TO EDITORS

High-res images available at:
/services/communications/medialibrary/images/may_2021/mcmahon_1.jpg
Caption: Isolated multichannel battery and cell voltage measuring circuit for use in series strings
Credit: WMG, 91福利

Video available to view at:

For further information please contact:

Alice Scott
Media Relations Manager – Science
91福利
Tel: +44 (0) 7920 531 221
E-mail: alice.j.scott@warwick.ac.uk

WMG has recently announced promotions for 14 key members of staff in both research and education. These include:

路 Three promotions to Readers for Jane Andrews (teaching focused), Stuart Coles (research and teaching focused); and Andy McGordon (research focused)

路 Freeha Azmat, Matt Sokola, Ali Ahmad and Edwina Jones have all been promoted to Associate Professors – teaching focused

路 Neil Reynolds, Erik Kampert and Hiren Kotadia have been promoted to Associate Professors with a research focus

路 Devon Allcoat and Lauren Schrock have both been promoted to Senior Teaching Fellows

路 Elspeth Keating and Connie Qian have been promoted to Senior Research Fellows

Professor Robin Clark, Dean of WMG said: 鈥淐ongratulations to all the staff who have received much deserved promotions, these are a real testament to their dedication and hard work.鈥�

The staff will take up their new positions from the 1st August 2021.

WMG鈥檚 cyber security research team, led by Professor Carsten Maple and Associate Professor Dr Gregory Epiphaniou, have been advising the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport () on new regulations designed to make 鈥榮mart鈥� products – like televisions, cameras and household appliances that connect to the Internet – more secure for consumers to use.

The consumer sector is highlighted as being of immediate concern due to users鈥� security knowledge gaps, overwhelming evidence provided by researchers and media headlines highlighting industry poor practices.

The DCMS鈥檚 new regulation will include three major requirements:

1. Customers must be informed at the point of sale the duration of time for which a smart device will receive security software updates

• 2. A ban on manufacturers using universal default passwords, such as 鈥榩assword鈥� or 鈥榓dmin鈥�, that are often pre-set in a device鈥檚 factory settings and are easily guessable
• 3. Manufacturers will be required to provide a public point of contact to make it simpler for anyone to report a vulnerability.

Carsten Maple, Professor of Cyber Systems Engineering explains: 鈥淎s a member of the IoT Security Foundation (IoTSF) Executive Strategy Board, I welcome the announcement as a significant step towards 鈥榤aking it safe to connect鈥� to the Internet of Things. WMG are proud and active members of the IoTSF, and we have long championed the need for fit-for-purpose security across all market segments.鈥�

Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said: 鈥淔rom the offset, we have been proud to offer industry a major role in the development of the government鈥檚 approach to boosting the security of smart devices. With IoTSF 鈥榮 support, I am confident that both the wider industry and consumers will continue to welcome our proposals that will help the UK build back safer. I look forward to our further collaboration on this important issue.鈥�

Read more about the regulation here:

WMG Professor Ton Peijs鈥檚 paper entitled: 鈥�Turning low-cost recycled paper into high-value binder-free all-cellulose panel products鈥� has been awarded the prestigious Journal Prize by IEC Publishing, part of the .

The IEC Awards recognise research of exceptional quality and benefit to the civil engineering, construction and materials science community.

Professor Peijs will be officially presented with the award at a ceremony in London in October.

Ton Peijs is a Professor of Polymer Engineering and Director of the National Polymer Processing Centre at WMG. His research focuses mainly on materials and processing innovations in polymers and composites. Ton has made notable contributions to areas such as hybrids, multifunctional materials, damage tolerance and durability, natural fibres and bio-based materials, polymer fibres and nanocomposites. He has also pioneered the development of sustainable composites, including the development of fully recyclable all-polymer composites.

Read Professor Peijs鈥檚 paper in full here:

Read more about WMG鈥檚 plastics research here: Plastics (warwick.ac.uk)