Lord Kelvin: empowering diverse voices 200 years on
Published: 20 December 2024
Innovation thrives where diverse voices and perspectives unite - and sometimes draws Royal attention.
On November 4th, the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering celebrated diversity and innovation with a dynamic event titled Empowering Diverse Voices: Shaping Pathways for a Sustainable Future. This impactful one-day gathering, hosted at the Advanced Research Centre, was a highlight of the Lord Kelvin 200 Years celebrations, featuring experts and thought leaders from academia and industry who explored the intersections of innovation, sustainability, and global impact.
The event was led by Dr. Lina Mohjazi and Dr. Hanaa Abumarshoud and supported by Prof. Muhammad Imran, Prof. Qammer Abbasi from the University of Glasgow, as well as Prof. Muhammad Zeeshan Shakir from the University of the West of Scotland, provided a vibrant platform that fostered open dialogue amongst postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals to connect and support capacity-building by exploring the role of interdisciplinary innovation towards addressing global sustainability goals.
Invited speakers from academia and industry
Invited speakers from across national academic institutions, such as the University of Strathclyde, University of Leeds, University of the West of Scotland, University of West London, Queen Mary University of London, Northumbria University, as well as the University of Glasgow shared valuable insights on how wireless communications and sustainable technologies can advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Industry leaders, including representatives from Virgin Media O2 (inlcuding David Owens, Head of Technical Trials, and a new JWSE Professor in Practice), Celestia Technologies Group and Scottish and Southern Energy, offered practical perspectives on the role of these technologies in achieving Net Zero targets.
Speakers covered wide topics, including smart cities, smart buildings, resilient healthcare, space energy management, aviation, agriculture, and transportation and their inspiring career journeys, sparked thought-provoking conversations in the room.
Key highlights included two engaging sessions of expert talks and panel discussions on themes like "Women Leading Change for a Sustainable World" and "Innovative Technologies for a Greener Tomorrow," offering attendees insights into career pathways, sustainability challenges, and emerging technologies.
The day concluded with a Poster Demonstration on Science and Engineering Innovations Towards Net Zero, showcasing student-led projects. Cash prizes, sponsored by IEEE ComSoc UK & Ireland, were awarded to the top 3 projects from the Edinburgh Napier University, the University of Glasgow, and the University of the West of Scotland, offering students and early-career researchers a valuable opportunity to present their work and receive constructive feedback.
This event was a celebration of diverse perspectives, innovation, and sustainability, embodying the University of Glasgow’s commitment to advancing science and engineering for a sustainable future. It was sponsored by IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) TC Innovation Fund, IEEE ComSoc UK & Ireland, IEEE Women in Engineering UK & Ireland, IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society UK & Ireland, and IEEE Young Professionals UK & Ireland.
Special thanks to Dr. Mohammad Al-Quraan, Khaled Alblaihed, Dr. Sanaa Hafeez, and Dr. Jaspreet Kaur for supporting the organisation of the event.
A Royal visitor
Another November event saw a very important royal visitor come to the Advanced Research Centre to see how UofG academics are continuing Kelvin's legacy. HRH The Princess Royal (better known as Princess Anne) spent a few hours chatting to reserachers including Dr Mohjazi and Professor Manosh Paul (Professor of Thermofluids at JWSE), showcasing our contributions to Kelvin's vision of turning ordinary inventions into sustainable, scalable innovations with real-life impact - connecting the unconnected, modernising healthcare, and creating new possibilities for digital and remote interactions for everyone.
One of the key innovations discussed is the Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface built in-house at the CSI group (based at JWSE) which exploits the dual use of radio waves to provide controlled communication and real-time sensing capabilities, allowing fo greener, smarter, and more resilient connectivity models with applications to healthcare, telerobotics, immersive environments.
Professor Muhammad Imran, a leading Professor of Communication Systems, and as of January 1st, Head of School of James Watt School of Engineering, shared his thoughts:
"It is a privilege to continue Lord Kelvin’s legacy here at the University of Glasgow. Kelvin’s vision of turning invention into innovation is at the heart of our mission. Building on Kelvin’s legacy in wired communications, we are pioneering advancements in wireless technology, which allows us to connect more people and places than ever before. Using energy-efficient, and cost-effective wireless technology, we are bringing connectivity to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that everyone, regardless of geography, can benefit from the connectivity solutions.
Dr Lina Mohjazi pictured with Princess Anne, Vice Principal (Research & Knowledge Exchange) of UofG Dr Chris Pearce, and Professor Manosh Paul.
Further, "We’re shifting from reactive 'sick-care' to proactive healthcare by using dual-use radio technologies that provide both communication and sensing capabilities. We are enabling real-time health monitoring and offering the UK a smarter, more resilient healthcare model. With agile, low-latency communication techniques, we are building immersive virtual environments and digital twinning capability, allowing people to experience real-world scenarios remotely.
Through an 'internet of skills,' we enable tele-robotics and remote operations, which extend the reach of expertise across distances—an essential asset for the UK in both public and private sectors. We are translating Lord Kelvin’s vision into a thriving hub of UK-based, world-changing technology. We are proud to be making a significant impact, connecting the unconnected, modernizing healthcare, and creating new possibilities for digital and remote interaction.
Our work here turns connectivity inventions into scalable, sustainable innovations for real impact."
Princess Anne expressed genuine interest and adminiration for our researchers' work. The honour of being visited by a member of the Royal Family for a long time known as one of its 'hardest working' was a moment of true pride for those invited to meet her.
First published: 20 December 2024