Meet the speakers: In conversation with... Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang at Birmingham City University

In conversation with… Alan Pendry, Associate Professor of Advanced Systems Engineering, and Dr Junfeng Yang, Lecturer in Automotive Engineering, Birmingham City University.

Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang will be discussing how to ‘tap into new potential for lightweight components via STEAM innovation’ at Subcon on 8 June at 10:45.

Please sum up your conference session in one sentence:

Birmingham City University has teamed up with Meridian Lightweight Technologies UK to research and develop processes and systems for the production and use of magnesium alloys: we present here an overview of our 15 research threads and invite others to join our Magnesium Innovation Group.

"The environment - greenhouse gas reduction and climate change mitigation - is the biggest challenge facing the industry this year."

What practical tips will visitors pick up from your presentation?  

How magnesium can replace heavier and more carbon-intensive materials for automotive and aerospace applications. How smaller-scale designers and manufacturers can find cost-effective magnesium solutions. How Birmingham City University can help your business develop and grow.

What's the biggest opportunity facing the industry?

Building a design-driven culture to create and safeguard design and manufacturing jobs throughout the UK.

Is leaving the EU good or bad for UK manufacturing?  

Very bad in the short-to-medium term: difficult to evaluate in the long term.

Do you think the industry will suffer if leaving the EU restricts free movement of labour?

Very much in the short term: difficult to evaluate in the medium term.

Do you think the Apprentice Levy is a good thing?

Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity for UK companies to grow the essential skills needed by our growing manufacturing industry and to take us into the 4^th Industrial Revolution.

If you were in Government, what would you do to encourage more women and young people to work in the engineering and manufacturing industries?

Get rid of “career politicians” and replace the cabinet with engineers: 50% male and 50% female; educate school teachers as to what engineering and manufacturing in the 21^st century is; promote positive action without the perceived fear of discrimination in the appointment of women to engineering posts: Include flexible working and career progression following absence (e.g. following childbirth).

What are your thoughts on Industry 4.0?

It is a plethora of exciting opportunities and is coming, whether we want it or not: don’t let us lose out through complacency like we did with our motorcycle and steel industries!

What are you most looking forward to about Subcon 2017?

Meeting creative, forward-looking individuals who can join us on this exciting journey.

Don’t miss Alan Pendry and Dr Junfeng Yang at Subcon – they will be discussing how to ‘tap into new potential for lightweight components via STEAM innovation’ on 8 June at 10:45. You can register for a free pass at www.subconshow.co.uk