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Two departments at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) and the Department of Physics, are collaborating on a new project to develop advanced shielding materials and technologies for power generation using nuclear fusion.

By combining cutting-edge physics research with WMG’s expertise in innovative materials and manufacturing, academics from both departments aim to bring sustainable fusion energy a step closer to reality.

The Solihull & Coventry Automated Links Evolution (SCALE) project, a pioneering partnership led by Solihull Council and supported by ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG), ¹û¶³´«Ã½, is pleased to announce that the latest phase is now live.

Marking a major milestone, a fleet of autonomous shuttles have begun operating for the first time along the full 7km route between Resorts World, the NEC (including access to Birmingham International Train Station), and Birmingham Business Park (BBP).

Experts at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG), ¹û¶³´«Ã½, have received funding from to investigate how artificial intelligence can be deployed online safely, fairly and effectively.

WMG is one of 11 institutions awarded a share of £200,000 in collaboration grants, uniting universities, NHS Trusts, civil society groups and industry partners in support of the UK Government’s mission to maximise the benefits of AI while managing its risks.

The grants focus on four priority areas that reflect national needs and the UK Government’s AI mission:

• AI sustainability

• AI deployment costs and benefits

• AI skills

• AI engineering

Dr Benjamin Silverstone, Head of Skills Policy and Strategy at WMG, welcomes the publication of the UK Transport Committee’s ‘Engine for Growth: Securing Skills for Transport Manufacturing’ report. He said, "It represents a strong indication from elected officials that they recognise the challenges faced by the transport sector in recruiting, training and retaining talent — and that they see how adjustments to existing skills systems can help industry to achieve its aims."

WMG staff and students came together to honour the outstanding achievements of the class of 2026 at ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s Winter Graduation.

Graduation is a defining moment in the University’s calendar — and the culmination of ambition, resilience, and hard work.

This year’s winter celebrations saw more than 1,100 WMG students receive their degrees.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ 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.

¹û¶³´«Ã½'s relationship with the Tata Group is a wonderful example of what can be achieved. The pioneering partnership was recognised when it won the ’s highly esteemed in October 2025.

Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, ¹û¶³´«Ã½, 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.

A parliamentary event has highlighted the ¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s pivotal role in tackling digital poverty and reducing electronic waste across Coventry. 

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) joined colleagues from the University, Coventry City Council and the NHS Integrated Care Board Coventry and ¹û¶³´«Ã½shire, at the Houses of Parliament, for the launch of  

°ä´Ç±¹±ð²Ô³Ù°ù²â’s programme secured funding from the initiative to develop a pioneering digital reuse pilot, repurposing pre-owned tech to reduce digital inequalities across local communities.

The project repairs and reuses unwanted IT equipment, and distributes refurbished devices to residents who need them, working with community partners and frontline services. The scheme also provides community-based digital training and support, ensuring residents can access technology in ways that are meaningful and useful to them.

The UK is facing a skills crisis, making skills-based education more important than ever. Earlier this month, a delegation from Skills England and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) visited WMG to see how it’s helping to prepare the workforce of tomorrow.

Welcomed by WMG’s Dr Benjamin Silverstone, Head of Skills Policy and Strategy, the delegation consisted of Katherine Green, DWP’s new Director General; Gemma Marsh, Deputy CEO of Skills England; and Mark Foley, Deputy Director of Work-based Skills at DWP. Their visit was an opportunity to showcase WMG’s role in supporting skills development by connecting industry with academia through world-leading education programmes and apprenticeships.

¹û¶³´«Ã½ Medical School (WMS) has officially launched its Community First Responder (CFR), part of a wider regional scheme led by West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS).

Working alongside paramedic crews and coordinated by WMAS, WMS students respond to 999 calls using a dedicated CFR van equipped with lifesaving equipment such as resuscitation kits and defibrillators, all funded through grants, donations, and partner support.

The initiativeLink opens in a new window, led by WMS and supported by ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Coventry General Charities, and the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), responds to the most serious category one and two calls across Coventry and ¹û¶³´«Ã½shire.