University News Last updated 31 July
Birmingham City University (BCU) has earned international recognition at the prestigious Formula Student competition, taking home the coveted MIGSO-PCUBED Project Management Award.
Held annually at the iconic Silverstone Circuit and organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Formula Student is a high-profile international motorsport engineering competition that challenges students to design, build, and race a single-seat car.
“BCU has set the standard for project management – and this is deserved recognition for all the hard work we’ve put in,” said Harsha Penumadu, the team’s technical advisor.
Now in its 25th year, the UK leg of Formula Student attracts global interest and is backed by industry leaders like Red Bull, MathWorks, Ansys, JLR and Bentley.
Powered by a 70-horsepower Aprilia 550cc engine, BCU competed in the formula class against around 60 other universities.
What made their vehicle stand out was its completely aluminium monocoque body – an innovative structure inspired by the construction methods of the iconic Spitfire aircraft.
Judges praised BCU for their meticulous project management approach, highlighting the team’s risk register that anticipated challenges and allocated time and resources to mitigate them.
“It wasn’t just about minimising stress - it was about controlling it,” added Harsha.
The BCU team, made up of undergraduate and masters students, began their build in January, often arriving in the workshop at 9am and working through to 9pm.
More than 60 students volunteered their time, expertise and knowledge.
Participants came from a wide range of disciplines, including mechanical engineering, computing, electronics, and business, while students from BCU’s Arts, Design and Media faculty designed the race car’s striking livery.
Jon Isaacs, Technical Manager in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, said the project demonstrated the University’s commitment to practical learning.
“It’s very realistic because it’s all about project-based delivery,” he said. “It’s learning engineering by doing engineering.”
Isaacs added that the project also aligned perfectly with the University’s 2030 strategy.
“It nails our values,” said. “It brought together students from across the University, and it was a completely voluntary project – there were no extra marks for taking part.”
BCU first entered Formula Student in 2014, and this year’s success marks a new high in its journey. The university is now regarded as a leader in student-led project management.