Panch Suntharalingam

Research interests and expertise

• The development of techniques to monitor patients with severe brain injuries.
• Implementation of pedagogy within teaching curriculums
• Medical product design
• Integrating employability in the learning experience
• Rapid product design to manufacturing techniques.

Teaching specialisms

• MA Product Design
• BA (Hons) Product Design
• BA (Hons) Interior Design
• BA (Hons) Interior Products Design

• University Internationalisation Strategy
• Transnational Education (TNE)
• Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Digital Transformation in Higher Education
• Business Engagement and Enterprise Development
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and Innovation
• University–Industry Collaboration
• Enterprise and Innovation Leadership
• Strategic Partnership Development
• Graduate Employability and Skills Development
• Multidisciplinary Research and Collaboration

• PhD, Medical Products Birmingham City University
• MSc Computer Science (Distinction), University of Birmingham
• BSc (Hons) Engineering, Middlesex University
• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), 2017
• SEDA Recognised PhD Supervisor, 2021

• Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Previously taught on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Design, Visualisation, Engineering Product Design, Interior Design, and Industrial Design.

Dr Panch Suntharalingam’s research is centred on the integration of theory, simulation, and real-world outcomes through a Triple Helix approach that connects academic knowledge, digital modelling, and practical implementation. His work combines theoretical frameworks with advanced simulation and visualisation techniques to test, refine, and optimise innovative solutions before deployment in industry, healthcare, and educational settings. Through extensive collaboration with universities, businesses, and government agencies, he translates research into measurable impact, including new products, improved processes, enhanced learning experiences, and economic growth. This approach ensures that research moves beyond conceptual understanding to deliver evidence-based solutions that address real-world challenges while generating tangible societal, educational, and commercial benefits.

• PhD Students

Book Chapter Publications (Last 5 Years)

Suntharalingam, P. (2026c). Innovation, Technology, and Digital Transformation in Transnational Education (TNE): Enhancing Delivery, Access, and Equity. In A. Herridge & L. James (Eds.), Rethinking Mobility, Access, and Belonging in International Higher Education (pp. 21-62). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-4427-0.ch002

Suntharalingam, P. (2026b). Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) as a catalyst for University–Government–Industry collaboration. In Applied Triple Helix (University-Government-Industry) models for AI innovation (2026).  (pp. 1–74). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-9690-3.ch001

Suntharalingam, P. (2026a). Using AI to foster creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in students. In Using AI to Foster Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Innovation in Students (pp. 89–124). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-9225-7.ch004

Suntharalingam, P. (2025d). Global Rankings and their Impact on Internationalization. In Higher Education Institution Strategies for Internationalization (pp. 63–96). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1092-3.ch003

Suntharalingam, P. (2025c). Internationalisation of higher education: Mission and concerns. In Navigating Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Global Higher Education (pp. 407–434). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6915-9.ch017

Suntharalingam, P. (2025b). Challenges and opportunities of transnational education programmes: Case studies and lessons learned. In Contemporary Approaches to Internationalisation in Higher Education (pp. 197–232). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-6849-7.ch008

Suntharalingam, P. (2025a). Introduction to Transnational Higher Education (TNE).
In Bridging Global Divides for Transnational Higher Education in the AI Era (pp. 1–28).
https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-7016-2.ch001

Suntharalingam, P. (2024). Transnational education in South and Southeast Asia: Reflections from a UK partner university. In Critical Reflections on the Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Global South. Emerald Publishing, pp. 101–120. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781804557785

Suntharalingam, P. (2023). A personal reflection on India’s growth in private higher education since independence. In India at 75: Thoughts and Reflections. Bite-Sized Books Ltd., pp. 73–77. ISBN 13 9781739525323

Suntharalingam, P. (2022). Determining the correlation between product simulation and physical testing in KTPs. International Conference (Sydney, Australia).

• Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) for ITV and BBC Television.

20 Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with major industry partners including AGA Rangemaster and Evac+Chair International, earning four Innovate UK “Outstanding” awards for innovation. One of his KTP projects was shortlisted for the UK’s “Best of the Best” KTPs. Serves as an external examiner for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally.

• LinkedIn