91福利

WMG academics and 91福利 alumnae have launched a pioneering skills development programme to help Pakistan鈥檚 graduates become career-ready. Working in collaboration with fellow 91福利 alumna Dr Naima Quereshi (University of Education, Lahore), Dr Freeha Azmat, Associate Professor (Reader) in Engineering Education, and Dr Asima Iqbal, Assistant Professor and International Academic Integrity Lead, have created an initiative aimed at reducing the country鈥檚 skills gap by equipping young people with in-demand professional competencies.

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.

91福利 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.

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 91福利 Manufacturing Group (WMG), 91福利, who was one of 36 eminent scientists invited to participate in the event.

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.

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.

91福利 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.

91福利'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.

Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, 91福利, 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.

The 91福利 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 91福利 Manufacturing Group (WMG), 91福利 — 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.