Latest News
Road Legal Fuel Cell Black Cabs Make First Appearance on London’s Roads
Intelligent Energy, the global clean power systems company that was originally a spin-out from Loughborough University, has announced that the Fuel Cell Black Cabs have taken to the roads of London for the first time since being awarded Road Legal status by the UK Vehicle Certification Authority (VCA). At an event on 22nd March 2011, one of the Intelligent Energy powered taxis travelled from Forbes House, headquarters of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the taxi’s base for the day, to some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The project to deliver a fleet of the zero emission taxis to the streets of London in time for 2012 is on track, with the first Fuel Cell Black Cabs covering a combined total of over 8,000 miles in road and test track testing conditions. During its first tour of London’s roads, one of the Fuel Cell Black Cabs excelled in rush-hour traffic, with smooth and responsive acceleration provided by the fuel cell and electric motors.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, wants to make Britain a leader in fuel cell technology and has already announced plans to increase hydrogen refuelling stations around the capital. He said, “These prototype zero emission taxis are a shining example of British ingenuity, combining revolutionary fuel cell technology with an iconic design classic. This marks an important milestone in my goal to create a cleaner cab fleet, firstly through introduction of the first ever age limits moving towards zero-emission vehicles as they come to market. Affordable and low polluting cabs are within our grasp and I urge manufacturers to accelerate efforts to produce them.”
The zero emission taxis have been developed by a consortium, led by Intelligent Energy, which includes Lotus Engineering, London Taxis International and TRW Conekt with part-funding from the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board. The fuel cell and battery powered hybrid taxi provides a 250 mile driving range with rapid refuelling, all within the confines of the body of a conventional London taxi. Now that fully functional, validated, proven vehicles have been produced, the consortium plans to push ahead with the delivery of a fleet to London in time for 2012.
New national institute to be based at SportPark
The sports industry is celebrating the launch of a new professional development body, which has chosen to base itself at SportPark at Loughborough University.
The Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (IMSPA) was officially launched on 3 May 2011.
The new Institute represents the first unified voice for sport and physical activity tasked with providing leadership, support and empowerment for professionals working in the sector.
Sean Holt, Chief Executive of IMSPA said:
“IMSPA will reach out to a wide range of people engaged in a variety of roles such as leisure centre managers, local development officers, coaches, health officers and governing body representatives.
“It is important to remember that what will define our members is not the role that they do but their ambition to develop their knowledge and skills to become celebrated leaders, deliverers and shapers of the sport and physical activity sector."
The new institute has been built on two successful historic mergers – firstly ILAM (Institute for Leisure and Amenity Management) with NASD (National Association for Sports Development), followed in early April by ISPAL (The Institute for Sport, Parks and Leisure) and ISRM (Institute of Sport and Recreation Management), paving the way for IMSPA.
Global brands and leading researchers to present at corporate sustainability conference
Loughborough University is hosting a one-day conference in July for organisations of all sizes to engage with experts to address some of the great corporate sustainability challenges.
The conference will feature a series of presentations followed by discussion covering the themes of sustainable workforce, sustainable design, organisational resilience, transport policy, built environment and renewable energy technologies. Senior representatives of leading organisations including Coca Cola, E.ON, Manchester Airports Group and Santander will share their experiences of meeting the sustainability challenge. They will be partnered by Loughborough University experts who will give an overview of innovative sustainable technologies and business practices that have achieved national and global impact.
Local businessman donates £1million to Loughborough
One of the East Midlands’ leading businessmen, Lord Glendonbrook (formerly Sir Michael Bishop), has donated £1million to Loughborough University.
The gift will allow the University to establish the Glendonbrook Centre for Enterprise Education and to set up a number of doctoral fellowships, enabling Loughborough to continue attracting the very best postgraduate students.
The Glendonbrook Centre for Enterprise Education will be located within the University’s School of Business and Economics. It will allow students, staff and members of the local community who have promising business ideas to tap into the University’s wealth of academic research and entrepreneurial expertise.
World-class Manufacturing Technology Centre to be part of the first Technology Innovation Centre
The world-class Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), in which Loughborough University is a research partner, is one of a consortium of seven research centres appointed to run the first of the government’s new generation of elite Technology Innovation Centres (TICs).
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP announced the establishment of the first TIC, which will focus on the area of High Value Manufacturing (HVM) and provide much needed access to technical expertise and state of the art equipment that would normally be out of the reach of individual businesses.
The government’s objective of the TIC is to bridge the gap between blue sky innovation and commercial success and to enable UK industry to take advantage of world class research and become more competitive global markets.
Phase Vision ranks highly in the Telegraph’s Top 50 University spinout companies
Phase Vision, the technology leader in white light metrology and Loughborough University spinout, has achieved 26th place in a new national league table for university spinout companies.
Lots to see and do at Loughborough University’s 2010 National Science and Engineering Week
An opportunity to learn how science and engineering helped to shape the 2010 FIFA World Cup football is on offer at Loughborough University next week.
£20k awards to boost innovation in Britain’s sporting goods and leisure sector
Loughborough University has today launched a competition to boost innovation in the British sporting goods and leisure sector.
Sports Minister heralds 'fantastic' SportPark at Loughborough University
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Ben Bradshaw MP has praised the visionary thinking behind Loughborough University's SportPark project.
CBI Director General visits Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park
Richard Lambert, CBI Director General and author of the 2003 Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration, visited Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park yesterday during a tour of businesses in the East Midlands region including Toyota in Burnaston, Bombardier in Derby and Thermo Fisher in Loughborough.
Loughborough automotive specialist says Toyota’s troubles may have silver lining
An influential Loughborough University professor with 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry has outlined how Toyota’s recent mass recall of cars could turn out well for the Japanese manufacturer.
Intelligent Energy demonstrates zero emission scooter at Loughborough
Loughborough University spin out company Intelligent Energy has partnered with the Suzuki Motor Corporation to develop the zero emission Suzuki Burgman Fuel Cell Scooter which was given its European unveiling and first demonstrations in London and Loughborough this week.
Outdoor play equipment from Loughborough sports technologists has national impact on children’s activity
An interactive, solar-powered playground game invented at Loughborough University is having a profound impact on children’s activity levels.
New Centre to bring benefits of Regenerative Medicine to UK
Loughborough University is to host one of three prestigious new EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) centres, which were announced today (7 January) by Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
New Dean of the Business School and Economics appointed
Angus Laing has been appointed to the new position of Dean of the Business School and Economics at Loughborough University
Intelligent Energy to expand UK Operations
Moves UK Operations to larger premises with grant from the East Midlands Development Agency
adidas “JABULANI” Official Match Ball of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™
adidas and FIFA have today presented the adidas “JABULANI”, the Official Match Ball for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, which has been developed in partnership with academics at Loughborough University.
