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 Collaboration for Impact

<span class=heading><b>Behind The Mask: Identity Fraud</b> by David Robertson</span><br />How well can you trust the person in front of you? Are you sure the face you are looking at is genuine? Fraudsters are now using hyper-realistic silicone masks to conceal their identity or mimic another person (e.g. someone who’s passport or identity document they have stolen). We are now developing partnerships with policing and border control agencies to enhance mask detection and reduce identity fraud attacks.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 David Robertson</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Rob Jenkins, Mike Burton, Alice Towler, Jet Sanders, Josh Spowage, Radek Rudnicki</span>
<span class=heading><b>Charting change for rapid response</b> by Ruaridh Clark</span><br />The world around us is in constant flux. Satellite images – such as those used to generate this image of shifting sands in the Solway Firth – reveal changes in the environment. We are developing tools to automatically detect and categorise landscape changes, such as after a natural disaster. Working with satellite manoeuvre and constellation experts, we aim to enable a more rapid and accurate emergency response that could ultimately save lives.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Ruaridh Clark</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Malcolm Macdonald, Ciara McGrath</span>
<span class=heading><b>Collaborate…before it’s too late! </b> by Christina Fraser</span><br />Many are now realising the seriousness of climate change, of which one impact is unprecedented pressure on water resources. In developing countries, cross-border cooperation on transboundary aquifiers – bodies of groundwater that extend across more than one country – is becoming increasingly crucial. As part of the Water Futures Programme – a collaboration between companies, government agencies and NGOs – we aim to assist countries to manage and protect their groundwater resources for a sustainable future.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Christina Fraser</span>
<span class=heading><b>Learning but lost</b> by Yvette Taylor</span><br />Accommodation is central to many students’ sense of belonging and ’home’, as is family contact and support. But for those who are estranged, student life can be quite isolating. Working with charity, Stand Alone, Strathclyde researchers aim to understand the challenges and discrimination faced by estranged students. Work is already informing policy discussions at the Scottish Parliament, to ensure these students feel as ‘at home’ and connected as their classmates.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Yvette Taylor</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Samia Singh -  helped design creative publication (booklet) cover </span>
<span class=heading><b>Life after conflict</b> by Saleh Almogrbe</span><br />Nestled among bombed buildings in Benghazi City, children play; life goes on. Documented stories of self-reconstruction confirm human resilience and a desire to return to normality quickly despite the losses. With such devastation, authorities face a mammoth task rebuilding cities following war. Working with Libyan academics and professionals, we are studying the impact of post-conflict, rapid urban development, to develop reconstruction models to assist authorities in overcoming the difficulties they face.
<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Saleh Almogrbe</span>
<span class=heading><b>Navigating turbines and turbulent seas</b> by Andrew Campbell</span><br />Offshore wind power is vital in combatting climate change, however access by boat means turbine maintenance remains a dangerous challenge, both to staff and energy security. Collaboration with E.on and Reygar has enabled us to develop novel video processing tools to identify waves and turbines, achieving spatially accurate measurements of ocean conditions. Dramatically cheaper than other sensing technologies, it can be deployed widely to determine optimum maintenance windows at each turbine, improving safety and reliability.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Andrew Campbell</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: e.On (Robin Rigg), Reygar</span>
<span class=heading><b>Sustaining sustainability</b> by David McMillan</span><br />Just as a well-maintained car retains its value, wind farms can too. However, wind industry service records are often poorly recorded, leading to devaluation. Working with industry partners, Strathclyde researchers have developed an automated method of extracting key ‘turbine MOT’ information from these records. The resulting reduction in processing time – from five days to just three hours – could make wind energy more sustainable, both economically and environmentally.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 David McMillan</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Dr. Bruce Stephen, Dr. Erik Salo, Dr. Giogio Zorzi, Ms Eleanor Harflett</span>
<span class=heading><b>The Shape of Sound</b> by Andrew Wodehouse</span><br />This novel brass trumpet bell was produced using Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) – a digital process for manufacturing complex shapes in hard metal alloys, though rarely used for brass. Working with Taylor trumpets, Matthew Parker Trumpets and Pascoe Engineering, we are exploring advanced digital manufacturing techniques applied in a traditional setting, to create bespoke trumpet bell shapes andsounds that reflect the personality of the player.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Andrew Wodehouse</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Daniele Marini, Taylor Trumpets</span>


 Transformative technology

<span class=heading><b>(Virtual) heads round the table</b> by Andrew Wodehouse</span><br />Client review meetings are critical to product design and engineering consultancy. Utilising virtual reality in the design process offers significant benefits in terms of visualisation. However accessibility remains a problem, with complex controls detracting from immersion in the virtual environment. Working with design clients, we are developing a ‘mixed reality’ interface where a physical table will operate in conjunction with the digital environment (shown) enhancing accessibility.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Andrew Wodehouse</span>
<span class=heading><b>5G RuralFirst: connecting communities</b> by Kenny Barlee</span><br />Rural areas have largely been left behind as national mobile operators improve connectivity in cities. Working with local and national partners, we sought to redress the balance, building a low cost mobile network in Orkney. The 5G RuralFirst trial demonstrated how shared spectrum techniques could be used to make coverage in rural areas affordable – a world-first! Our ongoing work aims to create a toolkit for local operators to build their own mobile networks.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Kenny Barlee</span>
<span class=heading><b>Dawn of the Quantum Age</b> by Alessandro Rossi</span><br />Symbolising the dawn of a new age of computing, this silicon microchip represents the beginnings of accessible quantum computing, without reliance on exotic materials and ad-hoc manufacturing to produce. Working in partnership with University College London and Hitachi, Strathclyde physicists aim to develop a more cost-efficient and reliable platform. Enabling wider use of these ‘super computers’ could accelerate innovation in numerous fields, from drug discovery to data security.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Alessandro Rossi</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Photo by Agnese Abrusci</span>
<span class=heading><b>Fuelling the rise of solar</b> by Fatin Abdalla</span><br />The image shows the progression of solar collection systems that harness energy from the sun to convert to power. The front-most system, invented in 2019, is able to be flat-packed for easy transport. Working with Soltropy and utilizing a test-rig at Heriot-Watt University, we are aiming to improve the performance of this solar collector, incorporating heat storage to extend availability of solar energy, thereby optimising supply to meet demand.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Fatin Abdalla</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: None</span>
<span class=heading><b>Manufacturing Beauty</b> by Momchil Vasilev</span><br />This artwork was not created by a human, but by an arc-welding robot, demonstrating its precision. However, work done by such robots still needs to be quality checked. Currently done by hand, it is the slowest link in the supply chain and subject to human error, but Strathclyde researchers are developing ultrasonic weld testing at the point of manufacture, enabling defects to be detected and repaired as they develop. <br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Momchil Vasilev</span>
<span class=heading><b>Smart skin: protect and detect </b> by Sheik Abdul Malik</span><br />This strip of material, made from ply glass and carbon fibre strands 100 times finer than human hair, could revolutionise the engineering industry. We are developing this novel hybrid material, which is anti-corrosive and highly conductive, as a potential ‘smart skin’ for engineering structures. Applied to components and able to ‘sense’ faults deep within their structure, it could make maintenance much safer, quicker and more efficient.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Sheik Abdul Malik</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Advanced Materials Research Laboratory; Michael Debernardo Studio</span>
<span class=heading><b>The art of algorithms</b> by Anastasios Stamoulakatos</span><br />The image demonstrates the application of deep learning algorithms for task automation, in this case, learning the difference between two images (top) to create a combined image (below). A form of artificial intelligence, this technology can be applied widely in industry, such as to perform maintenance. Working with subsea service provider, N-Sea, we are developing these algorithms to automate detection and repair of damage to undersea pipelines.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Anastasios Stamoulakatos</span>


 Picture of Health

<span class=heading><b>A Window to Wellbeing</b> by Joanne Kinloch</span><br />Deteriorating health can leave people feeling a loss of control, however, a well-designed environment can offer independence, dignity, access to nature and a sense of purpose and belonging. Working with the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice – which establishes a strong connection with nature through its building (pictured) and wider grounds – our research aims to establish the impact of environment on wellbeing to inform guidelines for future facilities. 
 <br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Joanne Kinloch</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice </span>
<span class=heading><b>Bridging generations for healthier communities</b> by Anna Krzeczkowska</span><br />With medical advances increasing lifespan, it is crucial that psychological wellbeing is maintained also. Working with West Lothian Council, primary schools and community organisations, and older adult volunteers, we are investigating the potential health, wellbeing and social benefits for older adults participating in activities with younger generations. The outcomes aim to inform public policies that respond to the challenges of an ageing society, as well as the child attainment gap.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Anna Krzeczkowska</span>
<span class=heading><b>Contagious Communication</b> by Rachel Donaghey</span><br />Scientists are on the front line to find solutions to global threats, from disease and infection, to climate change. However, the spread of misinformation has led to parts of society shunning accepted science. Through the collaborative environment created by national and international partnerships, we aim to open a two-way dialogue so areas of research, such as our work in vaccine development, can be used effectively for the benefit of society.




<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Rachel Donaghey</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Rachel Donaghey, Neil Forbes and Breige McLaughlin</span>
<span class=heading><b>Curious crystals</b> by Samira Anker</span><br />This crystal is grown from glycine, an amino acid found in most proteins. Through better understanding of the crystallisation process, we aim to improve medicine manufacture, such as enhancing the effectiveness of drugs, benefitting patients, and advancing production, benefitting companies. Collaboration across universitiesand with industry enables us to understand real-world challenges, ensuring our work has impact where most required.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Samira Anker</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Professor Jan Sefcik - Project Supervisor. David McKechnie - supporting PhD student.</span>
<span class=heading><b>Insights in autism: serious gameplay</b> by Jonathan Delafield-Butt</span><br />Autism is a psychological disorder that affects 1 in 58 children. Early detection and support offer the best possible outcome, however, autism is not easily diagnosed and waitlists can be very long. Working with partner neuropsychiatrists, we are developing wearable technology and serious, but fun, iPad games for children. Using artificial intelligence, we can analyse their gameplay to identify autism, providing a new route to early detection for improved clinical and educational support.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Jonathan Delafield-Butt</span>
<span class=heading><b>Mind trap: tackling unhelpful thinking</b> by Susan Rasmussen</span><br /> 
Each year over 800,000 people die by suicide globally. Strathclyde research is exploring the psychology of suicide, determining that feeling trapped by your own thoughts, more so than feeling trapped by your circumstances, is a particularly important risk factor for suicidal thinking. Although research is ongoing, some of this work is already informing treatment and prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of suicidal behaviours.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Susan Rasmussen</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Dougie Cunningham, Photographer; Rebecca Moodie, model in image</span>
<span class=heading><b>Pre-eclampsia: managing risk</b> by Tunde Csoban</span><br />Pre-eclampsia, in pregnancy, can be life-threatening. Magnesium sulphate can be used to manage the seizures it causes, however, availability is limited in low and middle-income countries. In collaboration with King’s College London, we are comparing data from a number of earlier studies of the mineral’s use across 33 countries. Modelling the data, we can pinpoint those at highest risk and in greatest need, enabling countries with scarcer supplies to save more lives.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Tunde Csoban</span>
<span class=heading><b>Shaping the future of medicines
</b> by Erin Walsh</span><br />Working closely with pharmaceutical companies, we are using novel technologies to customize the structure and shape of tablets to tackle a range of issues. Making the surface area larger ensures the tablet can dissolve faster and therefore get to work quicker. We can also modify tablet shape to address physical and mental barriers, such as making them easier to handle for those with impaired movement, or making children’s medication more appealing.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Erin Walsh</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Daniel Markl, Natalie Maclean</span>


 Sustainable society

<span class=heading><b>A Remedy for Rubble</b> by Ronald Turner</span><br />Mounds of waste concrete mar the coast of Ayrshire, in historic dump sites. As the world’s second most consumed resource, concrete manufacture comes at a high economic and environmental cost.Working with a number of industrial partners, to explore a range of challenges posed by degraded concrete infrastructure, we are developing new biotechnology-based methods for concrete repair, generating clear benefits to industry and the environment.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Ronald Turner</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Cavendish Nuclear, Magnox Ltd</span>
<span class=heading><b>Calculating capability: powering the future</b> by Waqquas Bukhsh</span><br />Renewable power generation is often intermittent and hard to predict with accuracy. However, mathematical modellingis increasingly being used to plan and operate power systems with greater reliability and efficiency. Working with National Grid ESO, we are developing modelling capabilities to assist electricity transmission companies in making informed judgments and planning decisions, improving the appraisal process of future investments, which will result in better value to the end customer too.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Waqquas Bukhsh</span>
<span class=heading><b>Lessons from legacy housing</b> by Donagh Horgan</span><br />The global housing crisis has revealed structural failures in how governments approach housing provision for the masses. Belgrade (pictured) in the former Yugoslavia is no exception, however, when founded in the 1950s, it pioneered a radical new approach, developing high-quality housing production shaped by its unique system of self-management. Our research of this understudied example aims to identify lessons and investigate the potential of social ownership in finding solutions for today’s urban settlements.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Donagh Horgan</span>
<span class=heading><b>Lighting up lives in Gambia</b> by Scott Strachan</span><br />600 million live without electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa, where almost 90 percent of children go to primary schools that lack electricity; often relying on harmful kerosene lamps to study at night. Strathclyde’s Gambia Solar Project has installed solar systems in 13 school to date, ‘powering’ education in these schools and benefitting almost 5,500 children, whilst providing our own students with a transformational learning experience that demonstrates their ‘useful learning’.
 <br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Scott Strachan</span>
<span class=heading><b>Sustainability without sacrifice</b> by Siti Fariya</span><br />Whilst ship recycling in places such as Indonesia (pictured) may be considered environmentally beneficial in a wide context, it actually has significant negative impacts to worker health and the local environment. Health and environmental safeguards are often viewed as costly to profit, however, working with Newtonfund – British Council and RISTEKDIKTI,we are developing an integrated framework to enhance both safety and productivity in the industry, whilst also benefitting the environment.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Siti Fariya</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Rafet Emek Kurt, Sefer Anil Gunbeyaz</span>
<span class=heading><b>Sustainable Technology inspired by tradition</b> by Runda Aduldejcharas</span><br />Transitioning to sustainable construction and manufacture is a challenge facing countries around the world, however, sometimes history provides the answers. Working with local people and scholars in Thailand, we took inspiration from traditional food processing methods, to design a machine (pictured) to aid the production of interlocking bricks. Made from bamboo, the machine will sieve local, natural materials – like seashells – ensuring building construction is sustainable from end to end.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Runda Aduldejcharas</span>.  <span class=small>Collaborators: Dr David Grierson</span>
<span class=heading><b>Sustaining co-existence: wildlife and windfarms
</b> by Rebecca Hall</span><br />Whilst wind farms can provide protective havens for fish, they can prevent seabirds from reaching crucial food supplies. In collaboration with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, we are studying the impact of offshore wind farms on the environment and wildlife. Through increased understanding of bird movements around wind farms, new wind farm developments can be designed such that wildlife is protected and sustainable energy needs can be met.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Rebecca Hall</span>
<span class=heading><b>Taking renewables to new heights</b> by Fatin Abdalla</span><br />Renewables are powering an increasing number of our homes. Wind power is the second most widely used renewable energy source, however, solar power is the fastest growing. Working with industrial partners, we are developing the latest solar technologies, and modelling their ability to meet domestic demandin comparison to other renewable projects, such as the London Array wind farm (pictured) that meets the energy needs of around 500,000 homes.<br /><span class=small>Image: © 2020 Fatin Abdalla</span>