Southampton researchers to address global challenges in new Centres of Excellence
Researchers will pioneer sustainable digital technologies in four new Centres of Excellence at the University of Southampton.
Civil, mechanical, aeronautical and acoustic engineers will play an integral role in the four cross-disciplinary centres that focus on national and global challenges.
The new Centres will tap into the University’s diverse strengths to deliver major research programmes in Continuous Digital Chemical Engineering Science, the Future of Human Communication, In-situ and Remote Intelligent Sensing, and Re-engineering for Electric Mobility.
Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi, Dean of Faculty, Engineering and Physical Sciences, says: “I am delighted to be formally launching these new hubs that will push the frontiers of research. This cross-disciplinary approach will channel expertise, both within and beyond our Faculty, and I firmly believe this will generate exceptional real-world impact.”
The Centre for the Future of Human Communication, co-directed by the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research’s Dr Stefan Bleeck and auditory expert Professor Helen Cullington, is dedicated to developing digital technologies that will help people to communicate better. Its researchers are working on accessible devices and systems to improve the healthcare and wellbeing, and enhance the way we learn, work and consume entertainment and culture.
The Centre for In-situ and Remote Intelligent Sensing, led by Associate Professor of Ocean Engineering Science Dr Blair Thornton, is the world’s only research hub dedicated to developing intelligent, connected, self-powered sensing systems. Operating in some of Earth’s most remote, harsh environments, they will provide better understanding of the world around us and help tackle pressing environmental and human challenges.
The Centre for Re-engineering for Electric Mobility, led by the Transportation Research Group’s Professor John Preston, will accelerate the development of sustainable, interconnected electric transport systems, re-engineering existing infrastructure and vehicles through advances in energy storage technology, the use of digital tribology to optimise components, and the redesign of the human-machine interface.
The Centre for Continuous Digital Chemical Engineering Science, led by Chemistry’s Professor Richard Whitby, will develop smarter, greener and more efficient processes for the discovery and manufacture of new chemicals and materials. It aims to reduce the environmental footprint of chemicals and materials manufacture and open up new possibilities for industrial product development and scientific research.
Professor Robert Wood, Associate Dean of Faculty (Research), Engineering and Physical Sciences, says: “Through these connected discipline centres we aim to transform the research landscape, connect to global and national challenges and drive research areas aligned to societal needs.
“We are very pleased to have received declarations of interest from dozens of researchers, including our vibrant early career research community, and these hubs will now begin to connect to the University Strategic Research Groups, University institutes and our industrial partners to launch ambitious programmes that will change the world for the better.”
Further information about the Centres and other activities within Engineering and Physical Sciences can be found on the Faculty’s webpage.