THE ENGINEERING INNOVATION CENTRE

Newsletter

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SHAPING THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

Since our last newsletter, a series of key developments have led to the most significant milestone within the University’s £200million Campus Masterplan being reached, with planning permission granted for work to start on our £30 million plus Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC).

Following a series of extensive consultations with the community and local stakeholders, Preston City Council has given the green light for the flagship project, which has been predicted to put Preston on the map and will further establish the University as a leader in engineering innovation. Construction is expected to begin later in the year.

In addition, to ensure the EIC is able to deliver a number of key objectives UCLan alumnus Sir Kevin Smith has been appointed to a steering group, in which he will use his vast industry experience and expertise to help shape the future of the pioneering project.

In our latest newsletter, we’ll also provide you with the news from across the School of Engineering, including agreements worth a combined £6.5 million to deliver engineering courses in the Middle East, fierce competition for students taking part in the Shell Eco-marathon challenge, a prestigious national award for Dr Liz Granger and our unique conference which attracted fire experts from around the world to Preston.

We’re keen to hear your views, and if you’d like to find out more on anything EIC related or otherwise, feel free to drop us a line at eic@uclan.ac.uk. Be sure to keep up-to-date with all the latest developments on the EIC at www.uclan.ac.uk/eic too.

A CATALYST FOR REGENERATIONGREEN LIGHT FOR FLAGSHIP £30M CENTRE

Read more details inside ...

ISSUE 3

GREEN LIGHT FOR FLAGSHIP £30M CENTREThe green light has been given for work to start on UCLan’s £30 million plus Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC). Preston City Council approved the planning application for the state-of-the-art facility following extensive consultations with the community and local stakeholders.

Located in the heart of Preston city centre, the EIC will be an integrated hub for teaching, research and knowledge exchange, bringing together the region’s expertise from within academia and industry. The flagship project will deliver a range of key objectives, including helping reclaim Lancashire’s role as a national centre for advanced manufacturing, ensuring that local skills reflect social and economic needs, and increasing the number of females in engineering careers.

Michael Ahern, UCLan’s chief operating officer said: “The approval for work to begin is an important moment for the University and the future redevelopment of Preston. A true flagship development for the city, the EIC will be a powerful hub for developing and nurturing talent that will help the UK retain its place as a leader in engineering and innovation.

“We’ve worked, and will continue to work, in consultation with local stakeholders on transformational plans which will create a world-class campus and a legacy that befits everyone – students, businesses and members of the local community.”

The first phase of construction is planned to commence later in the year. Manchester based SimpsonHaugh and Partners is leading on the design in collaboration with Reiach and Hall Architects. BDP, which also has an office in Manchester and was founded in Preston, has been appointed to provide the engineering expertise for the project.

UCLan alumnus Sir Kevin Smith CBE has been appointed to an industry steering group which is shaping the future of the University’s EIC.

The group plays a significant role in ensuring the EIC meets industry needs and maximises graduate recruitment in key engineering skills gaps.

Sir Kevin, who earned a first-class BA Honours degree in business studies from UCLan in 1978, currently serves as non-executive director for Rolls Royce after stepping down as CEO of GKN, the FTSE100-listed global engineering and manufacturing company, in 2011.

His illustrious career saw him spend almost 20 years working for BAE Systems in its military aircraft and defence divisions before becoming group managing director of new business.

UCLan has signed two international agreements worth a combined £6.5 million to deliver courses in the Middle East.

The first of these contracts will see UCLan extend its long-term partnership with the International College of Engineering and Management (ICEM) in the Sultanate of Oman for a further five years.

With this announcement ICEM will continue to provide UCLan approved courses in Oman focused on providing a truly world-class higher education learning environment, producing graduates who are ‘employer ready’, well rounded and internationally experienced.

A separate deal with the Ministry of Interior of Qatar will see UCLan deliver Fire Safety Engineering Management courses from the new state-of-the-art Ras Laffan Emergency and Safety College in Doha.

UCLan will work closely with Qatar Civil Defence to develop a range of courses which will utilise the Middle East’s leading training institution for fire services and emergency responders.

Pro Chancellor and Chair of the University Board David Taylor said: “The extension of our partnership with ICEM is a real milestone and evidence of its past success, while the new relationship with Qatar Civil Defence will complement this and the University’s other global partnerships, such as those in China and Mauritius.

£6.5 MILLION INTERNATIONAL DEALS FOR UCLAN

“The programmes will generate graduates who are highly trained and highly employable, both vocationally and academically, ready to apply their skills to national and global challenges.”

The steering group is chaired by EIC director Professor Frank Hayden. Membership includes senior level representation from major employers in the automotive, aerospace and civil engineering industries, as well as sector support organisations and academia.

Professor Hayden said: “Sir Kevin’s significant contribution to the manufacturing and engineering industries alongside his UCLan graduate status make him an invaluable addition to the EIC steering group. His involvement will be crucial in terms of providing expert advice on the strategy and implementation of the centre and maximising its positive impact.”

SIR KEVIN SMITH JOINS EIC STEERING GROUP

“Working together we will ensure the facilities, curriculum and research capabilities meet the needs and opportunities of the engineering industry on a regional, national and international level.”

INVESTING IN INNOVATIONWORLD’S FIRST FLIGHT OF GRAPHENE-SKINNED AIRCRAFT A pioneering research collaboration between the University of Central Lancashire and The University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute (NGI) resulted in the world’s first public flight of an unmanned aircraft (named Prospero) part skinned in graphene. The flight, which took place at this year’s Farnborough Air Show, represented the next stage in the research partnership which last year investigated the effects of graphene in drag reduction, thermal management and ultimately the ability to achieve lightning strike protection for aerospace and other related opportunities.

Billy Beggs, UCLan’s Engineering Innovation Manager, said: “Last year’s tests were very encouraging and proved to us that graphene has huge potential for aerospace; it is incredibly strong, yet lightweight and flexible at the same time. “The research team is still in the early stages of flight testing with the new remotely piloted aircraft but initial test data is already very encouraging. In terms of impact resistance the new wing is showing increased levels of impact resistance of up to 60% over a conventionally-skinned carbon fibre wing.”

University of Manchester Graphene Business Director James Baker said: “This collaboration between the National Graphene Institute and other academic and industrial partners – including a number of SMEs – is a great example of how graphene might be used as a potentially disruptive technology in a market like aerospace and help maintain the UK’s position in this key market. “We look forward to developing a graphene aerospace strategy working closely with the UK Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and further development of this exciting technology.”

Dr Darren Ansell, UCLan’s Space and Aerospace Engineering Lead, added:

“We are at the forefront of a research journey which could have a huge impact on the aerospace industry in the years to come. Although our research road map covers a 20-year period it’s quite possible that the aerospace industry could begin using graphene within the next twelve months.”

Billy Beggs (left) is pictured with David Ringland during a Prospero test flight.

EIC FACILITIES UPDATEThe EIC project is already underway with additional investment being made in specialist staff and equipment ready for the full opening of the new facility due in 2018. Recent investment includes £2 million of new equipment being sourced.

Notable pieces of equipment recently acquired for the EIC are subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels, flight simulator and additional technical kit to fully equip our hydraulics, soil mechanics, a recently extended, structural engineering labs and a 3D printer.

The investment is already paying dividends - students can now develop the engineering design skills to consider effective methods of production during the design process. Principle technician Paul Critchley said: “This gives our students an enhanced reputation in the labour market. The outcome of which is that graduates are being sought after by potential employers, with the knock on effect being that our university is highly competitive in attracting students.”

To view and search our full equipment list, visit our Kit Catalogue.

NEW KIT MAKES AN IMPRESSION WITH STUDENTSThe student workshop provides a centre for those wanting careers in design and development of products. The workshop - with CNC lathe and milling machines, water jet and five axis laser cutter - offers students a wide variety of state-of-the-art machine shop kit. Equipment such as the waterjet has already made a huge impact with students who realised they could now design parts for their motorsports projects without the need for time experienced CNC machinists. The waterjet’s ease of use meant they could avoid time-consuming and complicating machining processes.

Unique Fire Event Attracts Global AcademicsFire experts from around the world have visited Preston for a unique conference.

Academics, physicians, researchers and firefighters from America, Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden, France and across the UK joined UCLan scholars to discuss the toxic nature of fire smoke.

The three-day conference highlighted the health concerns associated with toxic smoke inhalation. Scientists described the evolution and measurement of toxic products from fires while medical practitioners explained their effects, dealing with the short and long-term care of fire victims. Issues of firefighter safety and the abnormally high rates of cancers amongst them was discussed along with how the regulatory framework that fails to protect fire victims from smoke inhalation may be addressed.

Richard Hull, Professor of Chemistry and Fire Science in UCLan’s Centre for Fire and Hazards Science, said: “Although the inhalation of toxic smoke is the biggest killer and the largest cause of injury in fires, it is very much the neglected area of fire science and fire safety engineering.”

Associate Professor Anna Stec, one of the organisers, added: “The conference exceeded all expectations, in bringing together disparate groups who had all been working in isolation trying to tackle different aspects of the toxicity of fire smoke.”

From l-r UCLan’s Associate Professor Dr Anna Stec, firefighter Tommy Kjaer, the founder of the Danish Firefighters’ Cancer Association, and UCLan’s Professor Richard Hull.

UCLan is playing an increasingly important role in supporting local networks to promote growth in Engineering and Manufacturing. One example is The Manufacturing Club established by Moore & Smalley Chartered Accountants and HSBC Business Banking that delivers regular events for the North West Manufacturing sector. As part of the Manufacturing Club, UCLan, alongside other partners have put on a series of events throughout the year aimed at responding to local business needs, forging closer links to the sector and providing information and services that aid growth. The Manufacturing Club events culminate in the annual Lancashire Manufacturing week, a series of presentations and company visits that included events hosted at the Preston Campus. For further information on Manufacturing Club events contact Iain Martin, UCLan Innovation Clinic Project Manager.

UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR HONOURED FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT

UCLan Professor Ian Sherrington was awarded the 2015 Donald Julius Groen Prize and as the winner was invited to present the Tribology Group’s prestigious Groen Prize Lecture.

The lubrication, friction and wear expert was selected for his “outstanding achievements in the Group’s sphere of activity”.

His ‘Tribology and Tribotronics: Back to the Future?’ lecture featured an insight into the next decade of engineering innovations. He discussed the development of intelligent systems and components which will be able to ‘think, act, learn and communicate’ with the aid of the ‘Internet of Things’.

UCLan researchers met with specialists from other universities and industry from across Europe in a two-day workshop to discuss the potential of tribotronics - a pioneering area of intelligent machines. The meeting was led by Professor Ian Sherrington and Professor Ted Smith from the Intelligent Machines and Maintenance Group.

The aims included identifying topics for collaborative research funding applications and forming the core of a European network to lead research and development in this subject, based within the Intelligent Machines and Maintenance Group, Engineering Innovation Centre. They will also work with Professor Ian Sherrington and Professor Ted Smith in the preparation of an application for funding a Europe-wide network.

Professor Ian Sherrington said: “This is an exciting new initiative and with so many experts already in place within the organisation, UCLan is well placed to play a key role in the development of tribotronics.”

FIRST WORKSHOP ON INTELLIGENT MACHINES AND MAINTENANCE

EIC SUPPORTS NW MANUFACTURING CLUB

Professor Ian Sherrington giving his lecture in Westminster.

CIBSE BUILDING SIMULATION GROUP AWARD FOR BEST MSc DISSERTATION - EUGENIO GARCIA-DIAZ

A UCLan graduate has won the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) 2015 Award for best MSc dissertation.

Eugenio Garcia-Diaz chose to leave his comfort zone of his native Madrid to take up his Master in Fire Safety Engineering course at UCLan.

Eugenio commented: “Quite simply, UCLan is unrivalled when it comes to the diversity of its fire engineering and fire management courses, ranking among the top of the very few places in the world where these disciplines can be studied at university level.”

Tony Graham, senior lecturer in fire engineering at UCLan, said: “The fact that Eugenio was awarded first prize is a reflection of his hard work, passion and dedication. It’s a huge accolade, and it’s great to put the University and its engineering department on the map for the quality and high standard of work produced by our students.”

Eugenio has now landed his dream job, having been hired by AECOM, a multi-disciplinary company and world leader in building engineering and architecture design. “For a fire engineer, it doesn’t get much better than this. I’m now getting hands-on experience in large projects in the UK and overseas.”

He added: “UCLan was instrumental in helping me get to where I wanted to be and I would absolutely recommend the course.”

Alex Brooker learns more about UCLan’s 2016 Shell Eco-marathon carTelevision presenter and comedian Alex Brooker met a group of UCLan students who hoped to drive themselves to victory in the Shell sponsored international racing competition. Alex was in Preston to speak to engineering students about their Shell Eco-marathon energy-efficient car, which they since raced around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, in London, in July.

For the first time in its 30-year history, the iconic competition was held in London and, to celebrate, Alex and Countdown’s Rachel Riley met the students who designed and built the cars.

Alex was impressed by the technology that had gone into building the car, as well as the time and effort of the students. He said:

“They are making technology that will go into cars in the future, and learning these incredible skills. These guys should be off for the summer, and they’ve stayed to work on the car. I like that dedication, it’s something I didn’t have myself, they are passionate about the project and I really admire that. The students are absolutely brilliant.”

Last year the UCLan team travelled to Rotterdam and their fuel efficient car was named the best in the UK as their eco-friendly car managed to produce 1,238 miles per gallon. This smashed their previous records and ensured the team topped the national podium. The Shell Eco-marathon Europe challenges students to design and build ultra-energy efficient cars, then drive them on a purpose-built track to see which can travel the furthest on the least amount of fuel.

Norman Koch, technical director of Shell Eco-marathon, said the most successful teams had completed the 10-mile track on just a teaspoon of fuel. He said: “We want to inspire the young engineers of tomorrow to look into what’s one of the biggest challenges of the world - meeting the energy demand, but decarbonise it.”

ZOE AMONG EUROPE’S ELITE ENGINEERS Zoe Francis, a construction project management undergraduate, made the shortlist of the Best Young Woman Engineer category in the European Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards.

Zoe, who is a trainee site civil engineer for Carillion, said: “It’s really surreal to know I made the final but I’m over the moon. The support I’ve had from my family, my work colleagues and people at UCLan is amazing and I know they’re all very proud of me.”

The final year student attends UCLan’s Preston Campus one day a week to complete her studies. She is also a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) ambassador, who has attended a number of schools to promote women within the engineering industry.

She is currently working on the Manchester Smart Motorways project, which will reduce congestion and make journeys more reliable on the M60 and M62 using additional lanes and traffic monitoring technology.

John Ashton-Yamnikar, course leader in construction project management, said: “In being nominated for this prestigious award Zoe has demonstrated, in the best possible way, what can be achieved by a combination of ability, determination and endeavour. She has overcome many obstacles on her journey to become a finalist for ‘Best Young Woman Engineer of the Year’ and is a credit to herself, her family and her employer Carillion plc. The team is proud to say that she reflects the ethos of both this programme and the University.”

INSPIRING A GENERATIONCOMEDIAN REVS UP MOTORSPORT STUDENTS

MOTOR SPORTS AND

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Ranked top in the country with

100% overall student satisfaction

NATIONAL STUDENT SURVEY (NSS) 2016 RESULTS

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Shaping the future of engineering skills development within the North West

ENGINEERING STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM PRACTICAL EXPERTISE THANKS TO MANUFACTURING SPECIALISTSecond year full-time and third year part-time students on the building services and sustainable engineering course undertook an exclusive visit to state-of-the-art manufacturing company Gilberts in Blackpool. Hosted by Gilberts’ Technical Director Roy Jones, the visit demonstrated the practical element of the students’ mechanical services design module.

The trip enabled the visitors to experience first-hand the processes involved in modern ventilation strategy. The factory tour addressed the practicality of production from drawing board through manufacturing to testing, whilst the technical seminar covered selecting and sizing grilles and diffusers for effective airflow and transfer.

UCLan senior lecturer in building services and sustainable engineering Dr Liben Jiang commented: “Seeing the manufacturing processes at first hand, coupled with the knowledge that the students glean from the visit, will enhance their employability after graduation. They will have a better understanding of the practicalities beyond the theory.”

EUREKA! UNIVERSITY’S YOUNG SCIENTIST CENTRE STRIKES GOLDMajor industry recognition at HEIST awards

UCLan has triumphed in a national higher education awards ceremony by winning the Best Community Engagement Campaign prize for its pioneering UCLan and Ri Young Scientist Centre.

Commenting on this year’s success Dr Liz Granger, UCLan and Ri Young Scientist Centre manager, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to have won the best community engagement campaign award for two years in succession. Our YSC is all about inspiring young people and raising their educational aspirations and is part of the University’s wider commitment to social engagement. For our work to be recognised through this national award, in the face of such stiff competition, is incredible.

“Since opening our doors to schools we have engaged over 3,500 students with interactive science workshops, but this is only the beginning – moving forward we hope to expand our programme and inspire even more young people across the North West.”

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas added: “I’d like to add my congratulations to Liz and the entire UCLan team for their contribution in making our YSC such a magnificent success.

“Deep-rooted engagement between the University and the wider communities of Preston, Lancashire and the North West is an area in which this University excels. The YSC is a real beacon of that ethos and I know it will go on inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers for many years to come.”

The UCLan YSC has been modelled on the successful L’Oréal Young Scientist Centre at the Ri in London. As the first of its kind in the UK outside the capital, the centre and has been built to encourage interest, learning and creativity in all aspects of science and technology among primary, secondary schools and local community groups.

Laura Wheelton, who started as a Cheshire Fire Cadet aged 13, finished her journey to becoming a fire fighter this summer by graduating with a first from UCLan. The 21 year-old said: “It’s surreal that I’m graduating already, time has gone so quickly.” Laura, originally from Macclesfield, always wanted to be a firefighter. She said: “Getting the job with Cheshire Fire Service is so exciting, I’ve been working towards this for a long time. The best thing about the job is sitting in the back of the truck going to a call out and not knowing what you’re facing, while knowing that no matter what - you are going to make a difference.”

During the course of her degree Laura was spotted by Cheshire Fire Service and was offered a position on the High Potential Development Scheme. The former Eaton Bank student said: “The structure is similar to that of a graduate scheme, in that it allows graduates that have displayed high potential to progress quickly within the service. Very few firefighters are female so it’s a great honour to be joining their ranks.” Throughout her degree Laura learned to balance work and play by becoming a central member of all three UCLan cheerleading squads and competing in national competitions. She added: “Keeping fit is an important part of firefighting, its part of our job to use the gym as well as completing all our drills.”

Looking back on her time at UCLan she said: “Living in Preston was great, it was a small city like home and I tried to embrace all aspects of University life.” Laura was among nearly 4,000 graduates who took to the stage at Preston’s Guild Hall to graduate in front of their family and friends.

FIRE AND LEADERSHIP STUDENT BECOMES PART OF AN ELITE GROUP OF FEMALE FIREFIGHTERS