School of Engineering hosts successful research conference showcasing world-class research

The School of Engineering proudly organised its first Cardiff Engineering Research Conference this month, illuminating the institution's cutting-edge research initiatives.

With a diverse audience including industry professionals, students, academics, and the general public, the event proved to be a resounding success.

The conference showcased the school’s five strategic leading areas of research: Compound Semi-Conductors and Applications, Sustainable Energy, Civil Infrastructure, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering for Health.

Spanning three enriching days, the conference featured engaging panel discussions involving prominent figures from leading government and industry entities such as Welsh Government, Innovate UK, CSA Catapult, Arup, Atkins Global, WSP, ICE Wales Cymru, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Flexicare Medical.

Insightful talks were delivered by Prof Ron Loveland, Energy Adviser to the Welsh Government, and Dr Nick Singh, CTO of CSA Catapult, providing the Opening Plenary Session chaired by Prof Rob Rolley, Knowledge Transfer Advisor at Innovate UK KTN.

Other highlight of the event included Wangwei Kong, Innovation Engineer at National Grid, who shared the company’s pioneering efforts towards achieving net zero emissions.

The conference also celebrated excellence in research with an awards ceremony honouring outstanding oral and poster presentations. The awardees of these prestigious awards in the best presentations category were:

• Engineering in Health: Angharad Miles
• Compound Semiconductors and Applications: Matthew Jordan
• Civil Infrastructure: Marwan Naaman
• Advanced Manufacturing: Kai Silver
• Sustainable Energy: Joseph Harper
• Engineering Applications: P. Lugg-Widger

The recipients of the awards in the best poster presentations category were:

• First Place: Riccardo Maddalena
• Second Place: Giulia Cazzador
• Third Place: Meirion Hills

Director of Research, Prof Emiliano Spezi, said, “This was our first school wide research conference within the School of Engineering and it was a great opportunity for us to showcase our outstanding work. I would like to say thank you to all speakers, chairs, panellists, and attendees who made this event a great success. We look forward to hosting the event next year and to show further how we are driving innovation to shape the future of engineering research.”

Find out more about the School of Engineering and its research initiatives.