Research at the University is impacting the wider world Image Credit: jarmoluk, Unsplash CL
Among the countless research projects and papers produced by staff and students at Newcastle University this year, some stand out for their global reach and influence. In particular, a project run by our university has won a research project award at the IChemE global awards. IChemE recognises excellence in chemical engineering with the worlds most prestigious award within this sector. The project was recognised for research into chemical reactors that could help realise a low carbon future. The Newcastle University team behind the project is led by Professor Ian Metcalfe and includes Dr Yongliang Yan, Matteo Fella and Dr Wenting Hu. The team have joined an international line up of winners, including entrants from the US, Germany, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and beyond.
Specifically, the project aspires to use chemical reactors to produce hydrogen with less carbon footprint than current methods. While hydrogen is a comparatively clean fuel, releasing fewer emissions when burned and often leaving only water as a propellant by-product, its sustainability is undermined by current methods of producing carbon. Current hydrogen production relies heavily on reacting methane and producing large quantities of carbon dioxide as a by-product. Clean hydrogen processing is vital for realising the sustainable use of hydrogen to power cars, aircraft, rockets and industrial plants. Global demand for hydrogen is already driven by use in applications including fertilisers, oil refinery and manufacturing, meaning that new production methods could improve global footprint immediately.
"Clean hydrogen processing is vital for realising the sustainable use of hydrogen to power cars, aircraft, rockets and industrial plants."
The program has been funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering as part of its Emerging Technologies program. This initiative has fostered a relationship with Newcastle University for the past five years and overseen major project milestones. Of particular note is the design, construction and operation of a 5 kWth hydrogen production plant on the main Newcastle University campus. This equipment is intended to pilot the way for large scale commercial hydrogen production using novel chemical processes. The system is envisioned to be a cost effective and more sustainable production method for companies like BOC (Linde), which already conduct commercial hydrogen production in the UK.
Meanwhile, Newcastle University has also been appointed as the new Vice-Chair for the Zero Hunger goal within the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) program. The UNAI network involves universities in over 150 countries working collaboratively to advance each of the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), of which only 35% are on track to meet their 2030 targets. Achieving Zero Hunger is the 2nd SDG and presents a continuing challenge, with undernourishment on the rise in sub Saharan Africa over the past decade.
"The UN chose Newcastle University for the Vice Chair role on account of the University’s development of sustainable energy production, regulatory influence and emphasis on global stewardship."
Following a review of over 330 institutions, the UN chose Newcastle University for the Vice Chair role on account of the University's development of sustainable energy production, regulatory influence and emphasis on global stewardship within taught content. The University's role in UNAI is spearheaded by Professor Georg Lietz, Dr Graham Long, and Professor Katharine Rietig. They, among other academics at Newcastle University, will work to advance the execution of SDG 2 until December 2027 and beyond. These efforts are part of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Their work involves considerations around food, nutrition, energy, and climate change by using academic influence to create positive social, economic, and environmental change.
To top it all off, researchers at Newcastle University have been awarded the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. The research has been recognised by the highest national honour for universities on account of its transformational contribution in understanding, diagnosing and caring for dementia patients. In particular, the research focused on Lewy Bodies which are proteins that accumulate around neurons and disrupt normal brain function.
These prestigious recognitions are awarded by the Royal Anniversary Trust every two years to highlight quality work which impacts the wider world. Professor John-Paul Taylor represented three decades of dedicated research as he stood in Buckingham Palace to accepted the award from the King alongside Vice Chancellor Christ Day. The team at Newcastle University has identified brain changes and developed brain imaging to diagnose Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s. DLB is currently affecting over 130,000 people in the UK and led to the death of renowned actor Robin Williams. The work at Newcastle university has enabled earlier detection and pioneered new therapies to fight the disease.
