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Aston University pharmaceutical spin-out company shortlisted in life sciences industry awards
MESOX is a spin-out from the pharmaceutics group at Aston Pharmacy School The company partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market It has been shortlisted in the Medilink Midlands Awards 2024. A spin-out company from Aston University’s pharmaceutics research group has been shortlisted for a life sciences industry award. The Medilink Midlands Awards aim to showcase the very best collaborations between industry, academia and the NHS across the Midlands. The company, MESOX, founded by Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, a lecturer in pharmaceutics at Aston Pharmacy School, is competing in the Start-Up category for newly established companies that show a promising future. With in-depth expertise in particle engineering for drug delivery and pharmaceutical spray drying, MESOX uses IP-protected carriers to improve the bioavailability and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to bring challenging therapeutics to market. Medilink Midlands provides specialist business support to boost the region’s economic output from the life sciences industry. Working alongside the Midlands Engine and other strategic alliances, it helps stimulate additional and value-added growth of the Midlands as a prosperous community for life sciences. The awards winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place on Thursday 9 May at the Athena in Leicester. To celebrate Medilink Midlands’ 20th year anniversary of delivering business support, one finalist will be announced as the 2024 ‘Winner of all Winners’ and presented with a £5,000 prize for innovation development. Dr Ali Al-Khattawi, founder and CEO of MESOX, said: “We are excited to be nominated as a finalist for this award, which is a testament to the innovative research at Aston University that has led to MESOX and a great way to recognise the efforts of our team. “MESOX is expediting the development of life-saving therapeutics through cutting-edge carrier technologies. Our vision is to be a leading research-based pharmaceutical company in the Midlands one day and we hope this opportunity brings us a step closer to this goal.” Luke Southan, technology transfer manager at Aston University, said: “Aston University’s School of Pharmacy has always been a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurship. This is most often seen through our many students who end up running their own independent pharmacy stores, but it is also the school that has created the most Aston spinouts. “MESOX is the latest example of this, and it is a company that is on track to be generating significant revenue and region impact over the next five years. This award nomination evidences the potential the company has to offer.”
Aston University to help Saudi Arabia turn waste into energy
Energy will help power new cities in the desert Aston University is in talks about converting waste products into vital energy Its Energy and Bioproducts Institute is experienced in the waste-to-energy sector through global collaborations. Aston University researchers are to help turn waste into energy to power new cities in the desert. The University has started talks with experts from Saudi Arabia, including those who are building two sustainable cities in the desert, called NEOM and The Line. They are to collaborate with Aston University and its Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) to explore how they can convert waste products into vital energy. The scientists and engineers are to apply their expertise to help Saudi Arabia create technology to convert discarded matter into a source of energy and other innovations such as using date palm waste to transform desert sand to allow it to retain water and grow crops. Aston University also hosted a two-day conference in March to discuss how to develop and apply the technology. The event is a key element of the UK-KSA Waste2Energy project supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office under the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF) programme and is led by senior lecturer in mechanical, biomedical and design engineering Dr Muhammad Imran. More than 70 delegates attended the conference, including representatives from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), King AbdulAziz University, The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC). Professor Patricia Thornley, director of Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute, said: “The delegation chose to collaborate with and visit EBRI because we have common research goals, but some complementarity facilities and skills. We are looking forward to working together to develop some the shared priorities we have identified.” Tim Miller, EBRI director of engagement, added: “Aston University has extensive engagement in the waste-to-energy sector through substantial industrial and academic collaborations globally. Advancements made by institutes like EBRI in waste-to-energy technologies are continually contributing to sustainable energy development.” “The meeting provided an insightful overview of the project, emphasising the significant opportunities it offers to UK industries and academia for funding, collaboration and PhD opportunities. “Our special appreciation is extended to Naif Makki from the Ministry of Energy, Saudi Arabia and his colleagues for their valuable participation.” The event ended with a tour of the EBRI lab and biochar demonstrator plant and a visit to Kew Technology’s Sustainable Energy Centre in Wednesbury.
Major UK tile company joins up with Aston University to digitise for the future
Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill has been in business for over 150 years The company will work with the University through a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP) It will streamline and digitise its warehouse processes and practices as part of a long-term growth plan. The UK’s longest-operating manufacturer, supplier and importer of ceramic tiles has joined forces with Aston University in a Management Knowledge Transfer Partnership (mKTP). Shropshire-based Craven Dunnill, which has been in business for over 150 years, has a large and complex supply chain, both of finished tiles and of the raw materials for manufacturing. Its customers are consumers, merchants, property developers, bathroom and kitchen retailers, in addition to architectural and building communities. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. An mKTP focuses specifically on increasing effectiveness and improving results through better management practices. The company wants to fully streamline and digitise its processes and practices, including ordering, purchasing, stock and warehouse management, as well as delivery planning and sales tracking. It would also see the company’s different business divisions integrated. Developing an accurate real-time warehouse management system is a key part of the project as, currently, different production batches vary slightly in colour and size, making it crucial not to mix them when fulfilling orders. The company is working with Aston University’s Professor Ben Clegg and Dr Gajanan Panchal (academic lead and supervisor) from Aston Business School. Professor Clegg, a professor of operations management, has pioneered a successful methodology called Process Oriented Holonic Modelling (PrOH Modelling), a way of fully engaging employees in organisational change using systems modelling and storyboarding, that will be used to help Craven Dunnill’s employees to guide and implement new processes. Dr Panchal specialises in logistics and supply chain management, including warehouse management and optimisation. He uses a variety of approaches to comprehend and analyse problems with warehousing operations. Completing the team in the KTP associate position is Dr Olanrewaju Sanda, who has started analysing the issues in the warehouse including the data around inventory accuracy and stock selection. Working closely with management and the Aston University team, he will digitalise operational systems. Part of this will include building a digital dashboard to represent the factory and move it towards a ‘digital twin’. Simon Howells, CEO of Craven Dunnill, said: “Although the mKTP is for two years, we don’t see it as a finite project. It will improve our pace of change and our developmental dynamism. Our supply chains and processes are complex, and we know getting the best advice and expertise is going to be really crucial for the long-term growth of the company.” Professor Ben Clegg said: “We’ve been using the PrOH modelling approach in various forms for several research projects. The more people we can involve, the more successful the project tends to be. I think the company was interested in our unique combination of our knowledge of digital technologies, logistics and our expertise in organisational change.” Olanrewaju Sanda said: “The warehouse is the heartbeat of the company – everything flows in and out of there. If we can solve the high-level problems at the warehouse, it will trickle down to everything else and leave the company in the best possible position for the future.”
East or West – who holds the key to our collective future? Public lecture
Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy Her lecture will examine the differences between Eastern and Western economic models It will take place at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. An influential professor of economics and expert in global trade will be giving an inaugural public lecture at Aston Business School on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Professor Jun Du is an applied economist with a keen interest in economic thinking, policy and business strategy. Her research looks into the drivers and obstacles to boosting productivity and economic growth from the perspectives of individuals, firms, industries, regions and nations. Her lecture, East, West, which is best? - State, Market and the Return of Industrial Policy, promises to be an engaging narrative journey through the contrasting economic development experiences of Eastern and Western countries. Leveraging her extensive research and personal insights, Professor Du will delve into the complex dynamics between state, policies and the twin engines of growth – entrepreneurship and innovation. Professor Du said: “With the backdrop of global challenges, technological upheavals and pressing environmental crises, we find ourselves pondering on the critical question ‘East, West: who holds the key to our collective future?’ “In my lecture I will not just be looking at the differences, but also the strengths and lessons each brings to the table in our quest for sustainable progress and shared prosperity. We will delve into the landscape of economic governance with the formidable powers of the state, the market and entrepreneurs in conflict and convergence, collectively shaping the industries of the future. “This lecture seeks to spark a conversation that encourages innovative approaches to economic governance, with the goal of ensuring lasting prosperity for generations to come. “This is an invitation to change the world. I hope to see you there.” This lecture is free of charge and open to all to attend either in person or online. Places must be booked in advance. You can sign up for this hybrid public lecture here.
Aston Business School has risen significantly across Business and Management Studies to 66th place in the world It follows being shortlisted for Business School of the Year by Times Higher Education The prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and citations. Aston University has risen to 66th place in the world in the 2024 QS World Rankings by Subject for Business and Management Studies. The QS World University Rankings by Subject are based on academic reputation, employer reputation and citations. These latest results recognise Aston Business School as among the best in the world for business and management studies. The rankings, released today by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, provides independent comparative analysis on the performance of more than 16,400 individual university programmes, taken by students at more than 1,500 universities in 96 locations around the world, across 55 academic disciplines and five broad faculty areas. It follows a successful period for Aston Business School, which is part of an elite group of global business schools that hold the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS, having recently been shortlisted for Business School of the Year by Times Higher Education (THE) and the QS Reimagine Education Awards, as well as success in the Shanghai rankings, which ranked Aston 13th in the UK for business administration. Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “These latest rankings reinforce Aston University’s strong upward trajectory as we continue to climb the global rankings. Our recent successes reflect the concerted efforts and dedication of our exceptional academic community and stakeholders. “Strong global positioning of our Aston Business School is an integral part of the Aston 2030 Strategy that defines Aston as a leading university of science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.” Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said: “I am delighted to see such a strong global performance for our business and management offering here at Aston University, which confirms Aston Business School as amongst the best in the world. “This is the latest external accolade in recognition of our excellence in teaching and research and reflects our strengths in working with industry, developing ethical business practices and providing students with a world-class education.”
Concepts and habits from gasoline refueling found to mislead EV charging
Many electric vehicle (EV) drivers carry over concepts and habits acquired from driving gasoline cars when they are charging of EVs – but the mismatch leads to time wasted, inconvenience and “range anxiety” about not finding a charger when needed, according to a new study published in the journal Energy. The research was carried out by Professors Willett Kempton of the University of Delaware and Frances Sprei of Chalmers University in Sweden, both experts in EV technology and usage. They interviewed EV users in both Sweden and the United States, finding unanticipated and previously unreported concepts and habits of EV charging. Among the other findings: If industry and consumers take advantage of these findings, that could lead to more effective charging methods, help new EV buyers adapt, and inform planning of charging stations. Novice EV drivers, and even many of those who had months of EV experience, monitor the battery charge gauge while driving, then when the gauge is low, seek a charging station to recharge. This “monitor gauge” model is derived from driving gasoline-powered vehicles. By contrast, the study found that a few experienced EV drivers had developed a strategy of selecting a trigger event, and using it to spur them to plug in their EV. “Some of the more sophisticated EV users had picked a repeating event that happens at a place they can plug in and at a time or event lasting several hours. This is common when returning home at the end of the day or arriving at work," Kempton said. “A few people had selected unexpected triggers, such as shopping, and for one, when walking his dog in the evening.” To arrange an interview with Kempton, visit his profile and click on the "contact button" – this message will reach him directly. Or contact UD's media relations department.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal force driving innovation and reshaping our societal landscape. Its transformative potential spans across sectors, touching upon crucial global challenges such as ethics, privacy, and the future of employment. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, its intersection with pressing issues like climate change takes center stage. The upcoming launch of the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor by the NewClimate Institute in collaboration with Carbon Market Watch presents an invaluable opportunity to explore the symbiotic relationship between AI and corporate climate responsibility. Why This Matters to the Public: The Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor 2024 serves as a beacon of insight into the nexus between corporate actions and environmental sustainability. Here are key sub-topics that offer intriguing story angles for a broad audience: Corporate Accountability in Climate Mitigation: Delve into how corporations are leveraging AI technologies to enhance their climate mitigation strategies. Highlight case studies of companies pioneering innovative approaches to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. Transparency and Reporting Standards: Investigate the role of AI-driven data analytics in facilitating transparent reporting on corporate carbon footprints and environmental impact. Explore how enhanced transparency fosters accountability and drives corporate responsibility. Emerging Trends in Carbon Markets: Explore the evolving landscape of carbon markets and the role of AI in optimizing carbon trading mechanisms. Examine how AI-powered algorithms are revolutionizing carbon pricing strategies and incentivizing emission reductions. Collaborative Initiatives for Climate Action: Showcase collaborative efforts between corporations, NGOs, and government bodies in tackling climate change. Highlight partnerships forged to develop AI-driven solutions for environmental monitoring, renewable energy adoption, and sustainable supply chain management. The Economics of Climate Responsibility: Analyze the economic implications of corporate climate responsibility initiatives. Investigate how AI technologies are reshaping business models, driving cost savings through energy efficiency measures, and unlocking new revenue streams in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Impacts on Global Sustainability Goals: Assess the contribution of corporate climate responsibility efforts to achieving international sustainability targets such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Highlight success stories and challenges faced in aligning corporate strategies with broader environmental objectives. Connect with an Expert about Corporate Climate Responsibility For journalists with questions or looking to cover the the Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor here is a select list of experts. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Pamela Grothe Assistant Professor · University of Mary Washington Michael Vandenbergh Professor of Law · Vanderbilt University Sara Harris Professor of Teaching, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences · University of British Columbia Tom Rand Managing Director at MaRS Cleantech Fund I, L.P. · MaRS Cleantech Michael Rawlins Extension Associate Professor and Associate Director, Climate System Research Center · University of Massachusetts Amherst Photo Credit: Markus Spiske
Oh, Ozempic … Is THIN Back In?
After decades of what seemed like progress away from the obsession for “wellies” and “thigh gaps” the thin-is-in mentality seems to be creeping back into the spotlight to weigh on women’s minds – especially on social media. Channeling the renewed fascination with and focus on slimness, University of Mary Washington Assistant Professor of Communication Emily Crosby, and Associate Professors of Communication Adria Goldman and Elizabeth Johnson-Young, presented a talk titled "Social Media and the Changing Current of Health Messaging and Debates." Crosby's presentation, "Ozempic is Cheating!: Articulating a Digital Turn in Diet Culture," looks at the discourse surrounding Ozempic on social media. Employing feminist rhetorical criticism, Crosby analyzes posts and commentary to identify themes and conventions of analog and digital diet culture. This research articulates the digital turn in the "cult of thinness," to expose how medical injectable weight loss drugs undermine the body positive movement by invoking clinical technology as ethos. Goldman's presentation, "#SocialSupport: Examining the Informative and Emotional Functions of Bariatric Surgery Support Groups on Facebook," investigates the functions of digital support groups in assisting with mental well-being and emotional regulation for people considering, undergoing or recuperating from weight loss surgery. This research examines Facebook’s ability to function as both an informative and emotional resource for the bariatric surgery community. Johnson-Young's presentation, "Sugar, Snacks and Weight: An Examination of Posts and Parent Reactions to the Challenges of Nutritional Health Norms on the Growing Intuitive Eaters Instagram," examined posts and comments on an influencer's account. The research is rooted in both health behavior theory and non-evaluative and trust-based communication around food and nutrition. Preliminary findings show a variety of themes regarding reactions to the influencer's posts, from anger and resistance to relief and excitement. Weight loss, wellness and the enormous amount of attention this topic is getting has journalists looking for answers. And if you're covering or are looking to know more - we can help. All three University of Mary Washington experts are available to speak with media - simply click on an icon now to arrange an interview today.
National Vietnam Veterans Day | Media Advisory
Tomorrow is National Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families, reflecting on the complex legacy of the Vietnam War. This observance not only serves as a reminder of the past but also fosters dialogue on veterans' affairs, mental health, and the evolving understanding of war's impact on society. Delving into this topic provides an opportunity to explore: The historical context and legacy of the Vietnam War Mental health support for veterans The evolution of veterans' benefits over time Public perceptions of the Vietnam War and its veterans The role of education in preserving the history of the Vietnam War Connect with an Expert about National Vietnam Veterans Day For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about the Vietnam War and Veterans in America, here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Christian Appy Professor of History and Director of the Ellsberg Initiative for Peace and Democracy – University of Massachusetts Amherst Kara Dixon Vuic LCpl. Benjamin W. Schmidt Professor of War, Conflict, and Society in 20th-Century America – Texas Christian University Neil Maher Professor – New Jersey Institute of Technology Thomas Schwartz Distinguished Professor of History – Vanderbilt University Lawrence A. Tritle Professor Emeritus of History – Loyola Marymount University Photo Credit: Caleb Fisher
Aston University research centre to focus on using AI to improve lives
• New centre specifically focuses on using AI to improve society • Current research is designed to improve transport, health and industry • “There have been a lot of reports focusing on the negative use of AI...this is why the centre is so important now.” Aston University researchers have marked the opening of a new centre which focuses on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to improve people’s lives. The Aston Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Application (ACAIRA) has been set up to become a West Midlands hub for the use of AI to benefit of society. Following its official opening, the academics leading it are looking to work with organisations and the public. Director Professor Anikó Ekárt said: “There have been a lot of reports focusing on the negative use of AI and subsequent fear of AI. This is why the centre is so important now, as we aim to achieve trustworthy, ethical and sustainable AI solutions for the future, by co-designing them with stakeholders.” Deputy director Dr Ulysses Bernardet added: “We work with local, national and international institutions from academia, industry, and the public sector, expanding Aston University’s external reach in AI research and application. “ACAIRA will benefit our students enormously by training them to become the next generation of AI practitioners and researchers equipped for future challenges.” The centre is already involved in various projects that use AI to solve some of society’s challenges. A collaboration with Legrand Care aims to extend and improve independent living conditions for older people by using AI to analyse data collected through home sensors which detect decline in wellbeing. This allows care professionals to change and improve individuals’ support plans whenever needed. A project with engineering firm Lanemark aims to reduce the carbon footprint of industrial gas burners by exploring new, more sustainable fuel mixes. Other projects include work with asbestos consultancy Thames Laboratories which will lead to reduced costs, emissions, enhanced productivity and improved resident satisfaction in social housing repairs and a partnership with transport safety consultancy Agilysis to produce an air quality prediction tool which uses live data to improve transport planning decisions. The centre is part of the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and its official launch took place on the University campus on 29 February. The event included a talk by the chair of West Midlands AI and Future Tech Forum, Dr Chris Meah. He introduced the vision for AI within the West Midlands and the importance of bringing together academics, industry and the public. Current research in sectors such as traffic management, social robotics, bioinformatics, health, and virtual humans was highlighted, followed by industry talks from companies Smart Transport Hub, Majestic, DRPG and Proximity Data Centres. The centre’s academics work closely with West Midlands AI and Future Tech Forum and host the regular BrumAI Meetup. 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