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Powering battery innovation – new spin-out set to strengthen UK supply chain

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 13:45:42 GMT

ENV Energy develops unique new battery chemistry to boost performance and sustainability

ENV Energy - a spin-out from 91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the 91�� has the potential to provide a strategically independent, UK-sourced electrode material for various sectors including automotive and aerospace.

Having raised more than £450,000 in seed funding, with the support of 91�� InnovationsLink opens in a new window , and being awarded a subsequent entrepreneurial fellowship and an industry sprint from the Faraday InstitutionLink opens in a new window, ENV aims to scale at pace, making the UK’s electric vehicle battery supply chain smarter, safer and more sustainable.

91�� attracts leading researcher through Global Talent Fund

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:43:20 GMT

Dr Markus Tatzgern has been appointed as Associate Professor (Reader) in Creative Technologies, as part of 91��’s £4.35 million award from the UK Government’s Global Talent Fund.

Dr Tatzgern will join 91�� on 1st September 2026, bringing over 15 years of experience at the frontier of Extended Reality (XR), Human-Computer Interaction, and AI. Dr Tatzgern focuses on blending digital information into everyday life, including at work and cultural spaces, through technologies such as smart glasses and headsets.

Supporting the youth of today with the skills for tomorrow

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 11:37:42 GMT

WMG academics and 91�� alumnae have launched a pioneering skills development programme to help Pakistan’s graduates become career-ready. Working in collaboration with fellow 91�� 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’s skills gap by equipping young people with in-demand professional competencies.

UK will be sitting on a ‘goldmine’ of rare magnets from recycling old wind turbines

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Recycling the UK’s offshore wind turbines when they are decommissioned could produce enough magnets to build a million electric vehicles a year, according to a new report published today by the National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC), led by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

The report presents research commissioned by Dr Stuart Bradley and Dr Russ Hall at 91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG), 91��. It shows that the UK has a real opportunity to secure a sovereign capability in manufacturing by recycling neodymium, a critical material used in electric vehicles, aircraft systems and wind turbines.

Recycling a single large turbine at the end of its life is expected to recover enough neodymium to produce motors for 12,000 electric vehicles, according to the report.

Wayve, Nissan and Uber join forces with PAVE UK to support the responsible deployment of self-driving vehicles

Thu, 28 May 2026 09:20:33 GMT

Today, (Thursday 28^th May 2026) Partners for Automated Vehicle Education United Kingdom (PAVE UK) welcomes Wayve, Nissan and Uber, global leaders in self-driving vehicle technology and its deployment, as its first members to drive public trust and support the responsible deployment of self-driving vehicle technology

PAVE UK will bring Wayve, Uber and Nissan together to collaborate on scientifically backed public engagement to ensure responsible future deployment of automated vehicles across the country. Wayve and Uber plan to deploy autonomous vehicles in London this year as part of an initial trial that will further public engagement and understanding of the technology.

91�� among leading Russell Group universities for apprenticeships

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:53:00 GMT

Degree Apprenticeship programmes delivered by 91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the 91�� have been recognised as among the strongest offered by any Russell Group university, according to newly released government data.

Figures released through the Government’s Explore Education Statistics service show that 91�� ranks among the top-performing Russell Group institutions for achievement rates in Higher and Degree Apprenticeships (Levels 6 and 7) during the 2024/25 academic year.

WMG highlights

Two courses offered by WMG ranked first in England:

The Level 7 Digital and Technology Solutions Specialist programme thrived with a 100% achievement, retention and pass rate.

The first cohort on the Product Design and Development Engineer Standard on the Level 6 Applied Professional Engineering programme succeeded with a 94% achievement rate.

WMG Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy expert comments on the proposed Energy Independence Bill

Thu, 14 May 2026 08:50:16 GMT

Dr Russ Hall, Lead for Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy at 91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG), 91��, comments on the significance of the Energy Independence Bill announced in the King’s Speech.

WMG April 2026 recap

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:23:00 GMT

91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the 91�� strengthened its regional, national, and international partnerships throughout April, engaging with academic institutions, industry leaders, and representatives from international universities.

These meetings underpin WMG’s role in connecting academia with industry and highlight its ongoing commitment to collaboration and innovation across the globe.

WMG Student Projects celebrate success

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:31:06 GMT

Student Project teams at WMG, 91��, have been celebrating a series of outstanding achievements across national and international competitions, alongside hosting impactful industry events that showcase the breadth of student talent at 91��.

91�� Cyber, a new initiative bringing together students from across the University to work on cyber security problems and projects, has delivered exceptional results across four major cyber competitions:

Finished in third place at the 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Washington DC, competing against more than 30 teams from the US and internationally.

Reached the semi-finals of the UK Cyber Leaders Challenge 2026 with two teams, winning multiple awards including Best Briefing Note, Best Name and Emblem, and Best Teamwork.

Secured 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th place with three teams out of 28 universities at Sheffield Siege 2026.

Achieved a top-three finish at the pwnEd 7 Finals in Edinburgh.

Expert comment on the Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:14:00 GMT

Expert comment from Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at 91�� Manufacturing Group (WMG), 91��.

"The laying down of The Automated Vehicles (Permits for Automated Passenger Services) Regulations 2026 before Parliament is a landmark moment for the UK; it translates the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 into operational reality and provides a clear legal route for commercial self-driving passenger services on Britain’s roads."