University News Last updated 14 October 2021
The University has made a million pound investment in new hi-tech engineering and computing equipment with funding secured by a city-wide technology partnership.
The £1.1 million financial boost was secured through the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT), which the University is an anchor partner of, and which is one of several government-backed collaborations between local employers and further and higher education providers who deliver technical training across England.
The Department for Education provided £808,000 of the total funding package, which the University has used to develop an electric vehicle (EV) test cell and an additive manufacturing machine – or a 3D printer as it is more commonly known.
The remaining £295,000 from the overall sum came from the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership to improve student connectivity, the Formula Student workshop, reverse engineering applications, material testing and electronics equipment for prototyping and production line simulation.
Associate Dean (Academic Portfolio and Market Development) CEBE and BCU GBSIoT Programme leader Dr Simon Handley added: “GBSIoT could not have come at a more opportune moment, as the University is also widening its teaching provision to include delivery of degree apprenticeships with employers, short courses and continuing professional development for those already working in the technology sector, as well as traditional university degree courses in STEM subject areas.”
Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of CEBE Professor Hanifa Shah said: “New and emerging technologies are a strategic priority for the University and this investment supports our continued dedication to skills and research in UK Engineering and Manufacturing businesses.
"In particular, the addition of an electric vehicle test cell, one of but a few at universities nationally, comes at an appropriate time with new challenges placed on manufacturers to respond to the government’s mandate for transition towards zero emission vehicles and to growing domestic demand for electric vehicles.”
Pictured: The Electric Vehicle Test rig with Audi R8 E-tron components under a simulated Nurburgring test, establishes BCU as one of but a few UK universities with this technology.