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Water, resources and infrastructure
Across America we're seeing flooding, drought, epic storms and reservoirs running dry. Water, how it is controlled and regulated is an emerging topic. And for the next four years, with the unknown impacts of climate change - water will be on a lot of people's minds. And as the Republican National Convention 2024 begins, journalists from across the nation and the world will converge on Milwaukee, not only to cover the political spectacle but also to dig deeper on the key issues that may decide the election. To help visiting journalists navigate and understand the depth of Milwaukee's heritage and modern vibrancy, our MSOE experts are available to offer insights. Professor William Gonwa has worked in the fields of wastewater collection, storm water management, and flood protection since 1984. His research focuses on the water resources area of civil engineering including collection systems and stormwater management. He received his doctorate from Marquette University, his masters from the University of Kentucky, and his bachelors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, all in civil and environmental engineering. . . . Dr. William Gonwa Professor, Civil Engineering Expertise: Water Resources, Sewers, Storm Water, Civil Engineering education View Profile One may hear of news reports of large events and notice that they appear to occur more frequently than they might expect (i.e. a 100-year storm is reported in the news in the Detroit region more often than once every 100 years). A casual observer not well versed in what these rainfall statistics mean might be tempted to blame this on climate change, but the dynamic described here is not the result of just climate change. It is the result of the large size of the city of Detroit and the fact that rainfall frequencies are published for a point rainfall, not regions. This regional rainfall effect will occur in any metropolitan area with a large geographic extent. Why properly characterizing large storms is critical for stormwater professionals Stormwater Solutions June 07, 2024 . . . For further information and to arrange interviews with our experts, please contact: JoEllen Burdue Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations Phone: (414) 839-0906 Email: burdue@msoe.edu . . . About Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Milwaukee School of Engineering is the university of choice for those seeking an inclusive community of experiential learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. The independent, non-profit university has about 2,800 students and was founded in 1903. MSOE offers bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, business and nursing. Faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes students ready now as well as prepared for the future. Longstanding partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors, and challenge them to go beyond what's possible. MSOE graduates are leaders of character, responsible professionals, passionate learners and value creators.
MEDIA RELEASE: CAA Awards the Dedication and Compassion of a School Zone Safety Ambassador
CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is proud to recognize Sonia Preston, a teacher at Brookmill Boulevard Junior Public School in Scarborough, as an outstanding road safety ambassador and an integral part of the CAA School Safety Program (CAA SSP) – a program that teaches children life-long leadership skills on how to interact in a busy world with the confidence to be able to act in emergency situations. Preston is the winner of the CAA School Safety Patrol Supervisor of the Year and was nominated by Brookmill Boulevard Junior Public School Principal Helena Syptak. For 21 years, Preston has been part of the CAA School Safety Patrol program, acting as a Patrol Supervisor and trusted member of the community. Going above and beyond her duties, she consistently maintains a visible presence during peak traffic hours, providing guidance and support to Patrollers as they fulfil their duties by conducting regular training sessions to equip Patrollers with the skills to handle various traffic scenarios with poise and precision. “Ms. Preston's volunteerism, commitment, dependability, and leadership are the cornerstones of our Safety Patrol program's success,” says Syptak. “Her efforts above and beyond the expected Patrol Supervisor role have made a lasting impact on our school community, enriching the lives of countless students and inspiring them to become responsible leaders and compassionate citizens.” The CAA School Safety Patrol program was developed in 1929 to protect, educate, and empower elementary school children on safe road-crossing practices. With more than 90 years of proven experience in teaching road safety and children’s safety in school zones, the program gives Patrollers an acute awareness of road safety and gives them the tools to help them stay safe as they travel to and from school. Preston's commitment to promoting pedestrian safety goes beyond the school grounds. She has actively engaged with local authorities and community stakeholders, such as the School Advisory Council, to address traffic concerns in the surrounding area, advocating for improved infrastructure and implementing strategies to mitigate potential hazards. “Ms. Preston leads by example, demonstrating integrity, compassion, and resilience in everything she does,” says Syptak “Her ability to inspire and motivate others has a profound impact on patrollers, instilling in them a sense of purpose and pride in their roles. Under her guidance, patrollers not only fulfil their duties with excellence but also emerge as confident leaders and responsible citizens.” We thank Sonia Preston for being a local hero in her community and advocating for road safety in her everyday life. Since its start, the CAA School Safety Patrol program has helped keep students safe in school zones. Every year, approximately 800 schools in Ontario participate in the CAA SSP program, which CAA SCO delivers with local partners. For more information on the program, visit www.caaschoolsafetypatrol.com
Expert Research: Hurricanes and Natural Disasters Linked to “Grocery Tax” for Lower-Income Americans
Research from Goizueta’s William Schmidt uncovers the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on low-income families’ access to essentials. Global warming is accelerating severe weather with cataclysmic outcomes for communities all over the world. In 2023, the hottest year on record, no fewer than 23 weather-related disasters struck the United States. These natural disasters claimed hundreds of lives and caused $57 billion in damage. Recently, the federal government has come under scrutiny for uneven aid response to communities affected by hurricanes, fires, and flooding in America. William Schmidt But might there be other factors at play that see disadvantaged groups more vulnerable to the impact of severe weather events? Weighing into this is award-winning research by Goizueta Business School’s William Schmidt, associate professor of Information Systems and Operations Management. He and Xabier Barriola from INSEAD Business School look at the effect of three major hurricanes in the U.S. in the last 20 years. They find evidence of higher paid prices for basic groceries in the aftermath of each storm that disproportionately impact lower-income communities in affected states. In fact, says Schmidt, when severe weather hits communities, these families end up paying anywhere between one and five percent more relative to high income households for essential food and goods. This puts a major strain on already-strained resources in times of massive disruption. "We see a spike in the prices paid for household groceries of up to five percent hitting low-income groups immediately after a major storm hits." William Schmidt “Then you have to factor in the reality that poorer households spend around eight times more of their disposable income on basic groceries than high-income households,” says Schmidt. “It becomes clear that the aftermath of severe weather is harder for them to bear. And in our research, this is an effect that lasts for months, not weeks or days.” Exposing Hidden Costs on Those Hit Hardest To get to these findings, Schmidt and Barriola worked from a hunch. They figured that in low-income areas, a lack of infrastructure, lower-quality construction, and fewer grocery store outlets could translate into supply shortages in emergencies. Ensuing stockouts might then lead to knock-on price inflation for customers. These are low-income families for whom inflation has serious and significant consequences, Schmidt says. "We know that inflation hurts poorer communities. High-income families have the option of switching between high and low-priced goods according to needs or preference. But families with lower incomes are already purchasing low-priced groceries." William Schmidt “When there are disaster-induced stockouts to their preferred products, those families are forced to substitute to higher priced groceries,” Schmidt continues. Then there’s retailer behavior. Following large environmental disasters, store managers may be unable to keep necessities in stock. Under those circumstances, it is difficult to justify running promotions or implementing planned price decreases. To test these ideas, Schmidt and his colleagues looked at data from the weeks and months following Hurricanes Katarina (2005), Ike (2008), and Sandy (2012). They decided to pinpoint those locations immediately impacted at the county level. To do so, they used major disaster declarations issued by the federal government at the time. Then they integrated this with detailed grocery store sales data provided by Information Resources Inc (IRI) with zip code-level household income and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau. With each hurricane, the researchers looked at IRI data covering 30 different product categories and around 200 million transactions over a 12-week period. Schmidt and his colleagues then ran a set of analyses comparing prices paid by communities before and after each hurricane. They also contrasted price increases paid by low-income and high-income households as well as communities outside of the areas affected by the storms. Crunching the Numbers “Doing this triple-difference regression analysis, we find that lower-income communities pay an average 2.9 percent more for their groceries. That’s in the eight weeks following each of these disasters,” says Schmidt. "The effect varies. But it is roughly commensurate with the overall economic damage wrought by each hurricane, with Katrina being the worst. Here low-income families were seeing a 5.1 percent increase in the cost of food and basic goods, relative to richer households." William Schmidt The study points to a variety of mechanisms driving these effects. As Schmidt and his co-authors hypothesize, there is evidence that the same disruptions lead to fewer price promotions. They also see more frequent stockouts of low-priced goods. At the same time, there’s a shift in household purchasing from low to higher-priced products. These effects are long-lasting, says Schmidt. According to the study, post-hurricane inflation in the prices paid by consumers continues to affect poorer families for eight or more weeks. This amounts to months of economic hardship for those least resilient to its effects. Schmidt calls this “permanent inflation.” Pursuing Equity in Crisis Operations managers and policymakers should factor these findings into emergency relief efforts, say Schmidt and his colleague. The goal should be to service communities more equitably. So, there should be more thought to the provision of essential food and household goods. Also, there should be a particular focus on those most vulnerable to natural disasters and their effects. Current disaster nutrition relief programs are typically short. Authorities might do better by vulnerable communities by also extending things like cash and voucher programs, says Schmidt. And they should prioritize the ordering, shipment, and warehousing of essential goods. “Our research shows that hurricanes cost certain groups of Americans more than others in the longer run. The permanent inflation on food stuff and household necessities that we find constitutes an additional burden on part of our national fabric. These are people who are least positioned to afford it.” Hurricanes and the economy are both sought-after topics - and if you're covering, we can help. William Schmidt is an associate professor of Information Systems & Operations Management at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. His research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational disruptions, and applications of machine learning in operational decision making. To connect with William to arrange an interview - simply click his icon now.
It's National Heat Awareness Day - Our #Experts are Here to Help
As global temperatures continue to rise, Heat Awareness is becoming an increasingly critical issue that affects public health, safety, and infrastructure. This topic is not only newsworthy due to its immediate impact on communities but also because of its connection to broader issues such as climate change, urban planning, and health equity. The importance of Heat Awareness spans across various sectors, providing numerous story angles for journalists to explore: The health risks associated with extreme heat and strategies for prevention and protection The role of urban planning and green infrastructure in mitigating heat island effects The impact of heatwaves on vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and low-income communities Technological and innovative solutions for cooling cities and enhancing public resilience The intersection of climate change policies and heat management strategies Public awareness campaigns and community initiatives to promote heat safety As we enter the warmer months, journalists have an opportunity to delve into these multifaceted narratives, highlighting the urgent need for Heat Awareness and the collaborative efforts required to safeguard communities against the growing threat of extreme heat. Connect with an Expert about Heat Awareness: Douglas J. Casa, Ph.D. CEO-Korey Stringer Institute, Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor, Department of Kinesiology · University of Connecticut Mariana Brussoni Associate Professor · University of British Columbia Paul Gordon, Ph.D. Professor of Health, Human Performance and Recreation · Baylor University Dave Hubbard Founder · America's Fitness Coach® To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo Credit: Ibrahim Rifath
MEDIA RELEASE: The CAA Worst Road in Ontario is Hamilton's Aberdeen Avenue
The nominations are in, and Aberdeen Avenue in Hamilton is the CAA Worst Road for 2024. This is the first year Aberdeen Avenue has claimed the top spot on the provincial list due to potholes, poor road maintenance, and traffic congestion. It first debuted on the top regional list for Hamilton 2021 and has since climbed to the top. Taking the second and third place spots are Eglinton Avenue West in Toronto, due to traffic congestion, potholes and poor road maintenance and Barton Street East in Hamilton, due to potholes and poor road maintenance. "We know that the campaign works; time and time again, we see roads and infrastructure projects being moved up and budgets prioritized after the road has appeared on the list," says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president of government and community relations, CAA South Central Ontario. "For the last 21 years, the campaign has given Ontarians a voice to help them nominate the roads they believe are in need of urgent repair." CAA Worst Roads lists provide decision-makers with an important citizen perspective on which roadway repairs need to be expedited and key priorities for infrastructure funding and investments moving forward. In Ontario, 145 municipalities nominated over 2,000 different roads in their communities. Municipalities are responsible for approximately 140,000 kilometres of roads across the province. "Roads, sidewalks, and bike paths are only some of the things municipal governments fund with limited revenue sources," says Di Felice. "It's important for communities to share their view on what and where investments should be made. CAA Worst Roads is a forum to do that." Drivers accounted for most of the nominations, while cyclists and pedestrians accounted for about a quarter. Ontarians shared their primary reasons for selecting a road, with 53 per cent citing potholes, followed by poor road maintenance (52 per cent), traffic congestion (13 per cent) and poor cycling infrastructure, or lack thereof (8 per cent). Ontario's top 10 list is verified by the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO). "For the second consecutive year, RCCAO is proud to be the technical partner of the CAA Worst Roads advocacy campaign," says Nadia Todorova, Executive Director of RCCAO. "This year's campaign revealed growing competition on Ontario's deteriorating infrastructure amidst a growing state of good repair backlog. Long-term, sustainable funding is needed to build and maintain critical infrastructure." Ontario's Top 10 Worst Roads for 2024 1. Aberdeen Avenue, Hamilton 2. Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto 3. Barton Street East, Hamilton 4. County Road 49, Prince Edward County 5. Hurontario Street, Mississauga 6. Bloor Street West, Toronto 7. Cedar Street North, Uxbridge 8. Finch Avenue West, Toronto 9. Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto 10. Laclie Street, Orillia Worst Roads by Region Central— Laclie Street, Orillia Eastern— County Road 49, Prince Edward County Halton-Peel-York-Durham— Hurontario Street, Mississauga Niagara— Portage Road, Niagara Falls North— Widdifield Station Road, North Bay Southwest— Plank Road, Sarnia Western— York Road, Guelph Ottawa— Carling Avenue, Ottawa For the complete list of the 2024 Worst Roads, please visit https://www.caasco.com/advocacy/worst-roads/2024-results
MEDIA RELEASE: 18th Street in Brandon Named CAA's Worst Road in Manitoba
Potholes and Crumbling Pavement Along 18th Street in Brandon, Manitoba. (Submitted: March 27, 2024) The nominations have been tallied, and the 2024 CAA Worst Road is 18th Street in Brandon. 18th Street's issues with potholes and severe alligator cracking in the pavement have led to this dubious distinction. The road first appeared on the top 10 list in 2022 and has steadily climbed its way to the top. The second and third place spots are also taken by repeat offenders on the top 10 list are Leila Avenue in Winnipeg and Provincial Road 307 in Whiteshell. According to the voter insights, Leila Avenue's unavoidable potholes have damaged many vehicles, costing local drivers thousands of dollars in repairs. Voters also expressed concern over Provincial Road 307 regarding poor pedestrian infrastructure and road maintenance. "The 2024 CAA Worst Roads campaign provides a valuable snapshot of the roads that the public perceives as pain points," says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations for CAA Manitoba, "For 13 years, this campaign has served as a powerful advocacy tool, initiating dialogue with decision-makers and driving positive change for safer roads across the province." CAA's most recent survey data shows that while 78 per cent of Manitobans do not appreciate road maintenance efforts, however, 88 per cent are willing to put up with the inconvenience of construction if that means they get a good road at the end of the repairs. The campaign received 486 road nominations from thousands of local voters across 71 municipalities. "Manitobans' frustration about the state of our roads is clear," says Friesen. “We know they voice their concerns to neighbours, friends, or mechanics; this campaign helps bring awareness to decision-makers, providing valuable insights on our preferences for how to prioritize road repair and maintenance." Half of the roads on the top 10 list have debuted this year. These include Highway 26, Pandora Avenue, Richmond Avenue, Grant Avenue, and Munroe Avenue, which are tied for ninth place. Manitoba's Top 10 Worst Roads for 2024 1. 18th Street, Brandon 2. Leila Avenue, Winnipeg 3. Provincial Road 307, Whiteshell 4. Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg 5. Provincial Highway 26, Saint François Xavier 6. Empress Street, Winnipeg 7. Pandora Avenue, Winnipeg 8. Saskatchewan Avenue, Winnipeg 9. Grant Avenue and Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg 10. Inkster Boulevard, Winnipeg and Richmond Avenue, Brandon "Municipalities are responsible for thousands of kilometres of roads across the province. Roads, sidewalks, and bike paths are only some of the things that municipal governments fund with limited revenue sources," adds Friesen. "It's important for communities to share their view on what and where investments should be made. CAA Worst Roads is a forum to do that." For more information and historical results, please visit: https://www.caamanitoba.com/advocacy/government-relations/worst-roads
Aston University hosts event to foster innovation in crisis and disaster research
The two-day conference brought together academics and policy experts Its aim was to strengthen crisis and disaster research cooperation between institutions in Taiwan and Nepal with Hounslow Borough Council and Birmingham City Council The event laid the groundwork for ongoing cooperation and knowledge exchange in disaster management. Aston University has welcomed a delegation of global disaster management experts to a two-day conference aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in crisis and disaster research. The event held at Conference Aston from 12 to 14 May 2024 brought together leading academics, policy experts and industry professionals, with a particular focus on strengthening cooperation between institutions in Taiwan and Nepal together with Hounslow Borough Council and Birmingham City Council. Since mid-2019, a concerted effort has been underway to harness innovative technologies for geoclimatic hazards monitoring in Nepal, the Philippines and Bhutan. Supported by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction in Taiwan, this initiative has seen meaningful partnerships between British and Taiwanese stakeholders, driving advancements in real-time data capture for earthquake activity, rainfall patterns and wind dynamics crucial for effective crisis and disaster governance. Dr Komal Aryal, a lecturer in crisis and disaster management at Aston University, said: “I was wonderful to welcome such esteemed experts and colleagues to campus for this important event. “Sharing success stories and addressing implementation challenges to emerging technologies in local crisis and disaster management is vital in strengthening digital research infrastructure and networks at the grassroots level in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, the Philippines and other Himalayan regions. “The event served as a nexus for fostering partnerships among academia, policymakers, industries, emergency services and humanitarian volunteers across the UK, Nepal and Taiwan. “These collaborations are essential for driving impactful solutions and strategies in disaster management.” Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who attended this important event around disaster management. “It was wonderful to see the renewed commitment to enhancing crisis and disaster research cooperation which are integral to developing comprehensive and sustainable disaster response frameworks. “I am delighted to see draft plans produced for future joint collaborative activities, laying the groundwork for ongoing cooperation and knowledge exchange in disaster management.” Rev. Weilien Lin, programme secretary, Church and Society Committee, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, said: “This conference marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance global resilience to disasters. “By bringing together diverse expertise and fostering meaningful partnerships, we are better equipped to address the complex challenges posed by natural and man-made crises.” Professor Yie-Ru, from Chiu Tzu Chi University, Taiwan, said: “Aston University and Tzu Chi universities have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate more closely in addressing disaster and crisis management studies not only in Taiwan and the United Kingdom but also abroad. “This partnership marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to enhancing global preparedness and response to emergencies, fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange across borders.” Mayor Narulal Chaudhary, general secretary of Municipal Association of Nepal elected mayor of Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City, said: “This relationship with Aston University stands as a testament to how collaboration can foster disaster resilience and fortify crisis management efforts, especially in regions like the Himalayas in South Asia where vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes is significant. “As someone elected as the mayor of Ghorahi Sub Metropolitan City, a region highly susceptible to earthquakes, I believe that such collaborations are crucial in equipping communities with the knowledge and resources needed to mitigate risks and respond effectively in times of crises.”
Homes heated by human sewage could be a reality thanks to Aston University
Project to transform sewage sludge into clean water and energy awarded a share of £4.5 million by Ofwat Involves extracting energy from the waste produced during sewage and water treatment Gases obtained can be used to power engines or heat people’s homes. An Aston University project that could transform sewage sludge into clean water and energy has been awarded a share of £4.5 million by Ofwat. The University project with engineering consultancy ICMEA-UK involves extracting energy from the waste produced during sewage and water treatment and transforming it into hydrogen and/or methane. The gases can then be used to power engines or heat people’s homes. The aim is to create a sustainable and cost-efficiently run wastewater processes, plus extra energy. The initiative was one of ten winners of Ofwat’s Water Discovery Challenge, of which the Aston University scientists and two industrial partners have been awarded £427,000. Dr Jude Onwudili based at Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) is leading the team of scientists who will work with the partners to develop a trial rig to transform solid residues from wastewater treatment plants to hydrogen and/or methane. The two-stage process will involve the initial transformation of organic components in the sludge into liquid intermediates, which will then be converted to the fuel gases in a second stage. The project is called REvAR (Renewable Energy via Aqueous-phase Reforming), and Dr Onwudili will be working with lead partner and engineering consultancy company ICMEA-UK Limited and sustainable infrastructure company Costain. REVAR combines the use of hot-pressurised water or hydrothermal conditions with catalysts to achieve high conversion efficiency. The technique can treat sewage sludge in just minutes, and it is hoped that it will replace existing processes. In 2013, a Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management report stated that the sector is the fourth most energy intensive industry in the UK. Dr Onwudili said: “This project is important because millions of tonnes of sewage sludge are generated in the UK each year and the water industry is struggling with how to effectively manage them as waste. “Instead, they can be converted into valuable feedstocks which are used for producing renewable fuel gases, thereby increasing the availability of feedstocks to meet UK decarbonisation targets through bioenergy. “We will be taking a waste product and recovering two important products from it: clean water and renewable energy. Overall, the novel technology will contribute towards meeting UK Net Zero obligations by 2050 and ties in with the University’s purpose to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation.” The Water Discovery Challenge aims to accelerate the development and adoption of promising new innovations for the water sector. Over the next six months, winners will also receive non-financial support and will be able to pitch their projects to potential water company partners and/or investors. The 10 winning teams are from outside the water industry and were chosen because of their projects’ potential to help solve the biggest challenges facing the sector. The competition is part of the Ofwat Innovation Fund, run by the water regulator Ofwat, with Challenge Works, Arup and Isle Utilities and is the first in the water sector to invite ideas from innovators across industries. Helen Campbell, senior director for sector performance at Ofwat, said: “This competition was about reaching new innovators from outside the sector with different approaches and new ideas, and that’s exactly what the winners are doing. “The products and ideas recognised in this cross-sector challenge will equip water companies to better face challenges of the future – including achieving sustainability goals and meeting net zero targets – all while providing the highest-quality product for consumers.” ENDS A Blueprint For Carbon Emissions Reduction in the UK Water Industry The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management https://www.ciwem.org/assets/pdf/Policy/Reports/A-Blueprint-for-carbon-emissions-reductions-in-the-water-industry.pdf Ofwat Innovation Fund Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority for England and Wales, has established a £200 million Innovation Fund to grow the water sector’s capacity to innovate, enabling it to better meet the evolving needs of customers, society and the environment. The Innovation Fund, delivered in partnership with Challenge Works (formerly known as Nesta Challenges) and supported by Arup and Isle Utilities, is designed to complement Ofwat’s existing approach to innovation and to help deliver against Ofwat’s strategy which highlights the role of innovation in meeting many of the challenges the sector faces. About ICMEA-UK Based in Sheffield, in the North of England, ICMEA-UK is the UK arm of an established Italian innovative engineering company - ICMEA SRL. They are an innovative Engineering consultancy company, and work in partnership with a range of other organisations to provide innovative, bespoke solutions to problems where an Engineering solution is required. About Costain Costain helps to improve people’s lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet thrive. They shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the infrastructure ecosystem across the UK’s energy, water, transportation, and defence markets. They are organised around their customers anticipating and solving challenges and helping to improve performance. By bringing together their unique mix of construction, consulting, and digital experts they engineer and deliver sustainable, efficient, and practical solutions. About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar delivered the 2024 Aston University Annual Distinguished Lecture He has been president of the Indian National Science Academy and director general of the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and has received multiple honours and awards He was also presented with an honorary professorship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to academia and beyond. Dr Raghunath Anant Mashelkar delivered Aston University’s 2024 Annual Distinguished Lecture to more than 70 invited guests on 22 April. One of the world’s renowned figures in polymer science, research leadership and intellectual property rights, Dr Mashelkar, a chemical engineer, is a global leader and inspiration in his native India and the wider international research community. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the research community, Dr Mashelkar was bestowed with an honorary professorship at the end of the lecture by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University. The title of Dr Mashelkar’s lecture was ‘Trapeze Artistry in Biomimetic Smart Gels’. ‘Smart gels’, made from synthetic polymers (types of plastics), can be developed with specific functional properties, such as reacting to changes in temperature and pH. Whilst Director at India’s National Chemical Laboratories, Dr Mashelkar led work which discovered smart gels which can mimic biological functions (biomimetic), including being self-healing, self-organising, and acting as enzymes in chemical and biological processes. Their properties can be reversibly switched on or off, or they can change volume or shape, through the use of pH or temperature, the ‘trapeze artistry’ of the title, giving them many uses. This included temperature-responsive comfortable insoles for diabetic feet, drilling fluids which can quickly, but reversibly, plug an oil well, and medical devices for the digestive system, which resist the acidic environment of the stomach to deliver drugs, but dissolve harmlessly in the alkaline environment when they leave the stomach. One of the defining factors of Dr Mashelkar’s work has been serendipity. He told the story of a smart gel that dried to become a completely different shape when dried in his laboratory’s old oven rather than the new oven. One of his research team discovered this was due to the presence of copper ions from corrosion in the oven, which changed the way the molecules arranged themselves and led to a whole new area of research on polymer self-assembly. As he said: “Eyes do not see what the mind does not know. Look at the 'failed' experiment very carefully, maybe the next big breakthrough is waiting there!” Dr Mashelkar also spoke on his life story, from a young boy in India, attending the local municipal school, to addressing thousands of the world’s best minds at places like the World Economic Forum and the World Bank. His great passion now is ‘Gandhian Engineering’ based on the principle of more performance, from fewer resources, for more people. He created the Anjani Mashelkar Award, named after his mother, for the best low-cost, high-technology innovations. Winners have included an Internet of Things-based maternal healthcare system for rural areas and a smartphone app to assess lung health. Dr Mashelkar is proud of his work on Gandhian Engineering. Speaking after the lecture he said: “Rising inequalities create social disharmony. Now, you can’t make the inequalities vanish because you can’t make poor people rich overnight. What is needed is access. Can we give access equality, despite the income inequality? And that’s the principle of Gandhian Engineering. In my lecture I showed a photograph of a poor lady in a hut with a mobile, and a rich lady from a city who also had a mobile. This is equal access. It was not possible previously when mobiles were so expensive. In India now we have good public infrastructure. Data is now Rs 4 per GB and wireless is free. Once you start giving access, there is a parity.” Professor Subic said: “It was a privilege and a pleasure to welcome such a celebrated scientist as Dr Mashelkar to give the Aston University Annual Distinguished Lecture this year. Once again, we have brought a renowned international leader to engage with our community and present some of the most exciting research going on in our world today, while also inspiring the next generation of researchers and international citizens. I am deeply honoured that Dr Mashelkar has accepted an honorary professorship from Aston University in recognition of his international standing and significant contributions to scientific research and innovation.” The distinguished lecture series was established by Professor Subic in 2023. It brings influential speakers to the University to address major scientific breakthroughs, as well as social, cultural and policy issues. The first distinguished lecture was given by Nobel Laureate Peter Agre in 2023. Speaking after the lecture, Dr Mashelkar said: “I am absolutely honoured to get this honorary professorship from Aston University. Aston University is excelling in a number of areas. In terms of its future, I consider that to be very bright for the simple reason that the University’s dynamic Vice-Chancellor is making big changes with speed and skill, with expansion, inclusion and excellence. To be honoured with an honorary professorship is one of the greatest satisfactions and fulfilments of my life.” The lecture was followed by a drinks reception to allow guests to meet Dr Mashelkar and further discuss his work. A video recording of the 2024 Annual Distinguished Lecture will be made available on the University website at a later date.
#ExpertSpotlight: 10th anniversary of Flint, MI, water crisis beginning
The 10th anniversary of the Flint, MI water crisis marks a pivotal moment in environmental justice and public health awareness. This event matters deeply to the public as it sheds light on systemic failures in infrastructure management, government accountability, and the disproportionate impacts of environmental hazards on marginalized communities. Here are several sub-topics that could be of interest to a broad audience: Health Impacts and Long-term Consequences: Explore the lingering health effects on residents exposed to lead-contaminated water, including neurological disorders, developmental delays, and mental health challenges. Government Response and Accountability: Investigate the role of local, state, and federal authorities in addressing the crisis, including accountability measures taken against officials responsible for the negligence and mismanagement. Community Resilience and Activism: Highlight the resilience of Flint residents and grassroots organizations in advocating for clean water access, demanding justice, and implementing community-led solutions. Infrastructure Challenges Nationwide: Examine the broader implications of Flint's water crisis on infrastructure investment, maintenance, and regulation across the United States, particularly in aging urban areas. Policy Reforms and Prevention Efforts: Discuss policy reforms enacted post-crisis to prevent similar incidents, such as improvements in water quality testing, infrastructure upgrades, and measures to ensure environmental justice. Legacy of Environmental Injustice: Analyze the broader socio-economic factors contributing to environmental injustices like the Flint water crisis, including racial disparities in access to clean water and the intersectionality of poverty and environmental hazards. This anniversary presents an opportunity for journalists to revisit the ongoing repercussions of the Flint water crisis, amplify the voices of affected communities, and advocate for sustainable solutions to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Connect with an Expert about the Flint, MI water crisis: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Gerald Kauffman Project Director, Water Resources Center, Institute for Public Administration; Assistant Professor, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration · University of Delaware Viviane Yargeau Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering · McGill University Jared L. Cohon University Professor · Carnegie Mellon University Joe Brown Assistant Professor, Environmental Engineering · Georgia Tech - COE For journalists with questions or looking to cover the streaming wars, here is a select list of experts. Photo Credit: Bruno Guerrero