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A new international standard has been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), giving developers, test organisations, and regulators a common way to show that virtual testing results are trustworthy and suitable for supporting the safe evaluation of automated driving systems, speeding up safer deployment.

Co-led by Professor Siddartha Khastgir from ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG), ¹û¶³´«Ã½, and Benoit Anctil from Transport Canada, and supported by an international group of experts, it is the first international standard for a qualification scheme for virtual test environment (VTEs) for automated vehicles.

A new collaborative education-industry programme delivered by WMG and Tata Group is helping bring engineering to life in schools across the West Midlands. Funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering Bhattacharyya Award 2025, Bridging the Gap aims to support inclusive participation and raise awareness of engineering pathways through a year of funded outreach activities.

WMG will host the UK's first Advanced Elastomers Forum in February 2027. Taking place on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 February, this two-day event will bring together researchers, engineers, manufacturers, and technology developers from across academia and industry to explore the latest advances in elastomer science, materials design, AI-driven development, manufacturing technologies, and product validation.

From July to September, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Manufacturing Group (WMG) at the ¹û¶³´«Ã½ welcomed senior representatives from government, industry and higher education institutions worldwide.

The visits showcased WMG’s role in connecting research, industry, and policy, while strengthening international partnerships.

Research by the Supply Chain Research Group at WMG has been recognised for its excellence at the Industry Studies Association (ISA) International Conference 2026. Dr Sotiris Blanas, Assistant Professor in International Trade, and Professor Alok Choudhary, Head of WMG's Supply Chain Research Group, won the Best Paper Award.

Professor Siddartha Khastgir, Head of Safe Autonomy at WMG, welcomes the London Assembly Transport Committee inquiry report: Who's driving the future of autonomous transport in London?

Professor David Greenwood, Director for Industrial Engagement and CEO of WMG HVM Catapult, welcomes the West Midlands' reindustrialisation plans as part of the region's wider Growth Strategy.

On Thursday 1 October, the family of Professor Lord Bhattacharyya were joined by distinguished guests to unveil a new portrait created to honour his life and legacy. The moment offered a chance to reflect with warmth and gratitude on a man whose vision and humanity had an enduring impact on UK manufacturing.