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Our development and demonstration of the world's first ns-FFAG accelerator (EMMA) and our expertise in exploiting and extending the capabilities of GEANT4 simulations have enabled us, in a relatively short time, to demonstrate societally significant applications of advanced particle accelerator technology. This research, which has garnered significant commercial and media attention, has demonstrated the feasibility of compact, reliable and affordable proton machines for cancer therapy [C], radioisotope production [A,B] and muon [F] and neutron [E] production, thereby offering UK industry a technological lead in a potentially enormous international market. Additionally, our research in accelerator driven technologies had played a significant role in establishing the scientific and political case for the construction of the 1.5b€ European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden, and is influencing developments at Fermilab in the US [E,F].
Research by the University of Huddersfield has produced an in-depth understanding of the factors that contribute to machine tool inaccuracy. This has led to predictive methods for assessing the capability of machines to produce specific components and the development of a low-cost electronic compensation system that can increase machine tool accuracy by a factor of 10, with significant cost savings for factory temperature control. A contract has been signed to market this system globally. Rapid calibration techniques have been developed, in collaboration with a UK world-leading aerospace manufacturer, reducing timescales from days to less than one hour.
McCluskey and Burton at the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CHSCR) have made significant contributions to bringing about a cultural shift in how back pain is viewed and treated. Our research has underpinned a new approach which replaces rest and reliance on healthcare with activity, positive attitudes and remaining at, or returning early to, work as the preferred responses to back pain. We have demonstrated that prompt recovery from back pain and continued work participation can best be addressed from a biopsychosocial perspective. Innovative interventions aimed at overcoming biopsychosocial obstacles have been based on evidence from our research which shows that key stakeholders, including individuals, employers, healthcare practitioners and members of the wider society, need to work together in order to support the occupational rehabilitation of people living with back pain.
The University of Huddersfield leads the UK in the development and advocacy of the thorium nuclear fuel cycle as an alternative to the uranium/plutonium cycle. We have set the design parameters for feasible thorium fuelled accelerator driven subcritical reactor assemblies for power generation and waste management and for fertile to fissile conversion of thorium [A]. Our high media profile [G,H] and extensive interactions with the public [I] and policy makers both in the UK and US [B,C,E,F] has led to growing acceptance of thorium as a realistic, safer, cleaner and proliferation resistant alternative fuel for nuclear fission reactors. Consequently our research is now influencing nuclear policy both at home and overseas [D,F].
University of Huddersfield research into Lady Anne Clifford and her Great Books of Record has led to wide-ranging new awareness of a key figure in regional history, women's writing and political and cultural engagement. Supported by extensive dissemination efforts, including an exhibition, a series of public lectures and numerous media appearances, the work has helped inform the broader popular debate about the period in which Lady Anne lived, especially in terms of challenging cultural and gender stereotypes, and has generated both local and national interest in her life, her achievements and her continuing significance. The tourism, heritage and culture industries have benefited as a result.
The University of Huddersfield's performance-led research into the consort of viols and its relationship to the voice has resulted in familiar repertory being heard in new ways and the performance of music largely unknown to modern audiences. This work has earned international recognition through public performances, lecture-recitals, commercial CDs and radio broadcasts, influencing instrument makers, performers, concert promoters and audiences. Its importance is further evidenced by a close association with the National Centre for Early Music, advising on and leading events and the award of a £268,000 AHRC grant for the project The Making of the Tudor Viol.
University of Huddersfield research into new interdisciplinary methods for systematic archaeological examination has led to significant advances in the identification and subsequent conservation of historic battlefields. The work has influenced policy and practice at English Heritage, informing key changes in its National Heritage Protection Plan, and has been used to help safeguard famous sites such as Bosworth and Hastings. It has also shaped policy in other countries — including Belgium — where it has been described as "the basis for the development of a governmental vision" regarding battlefield sites — and has raised wider public awareness of battlefield archaeology through high-profile media engagement.
The University of Huddersfield's research on accounting ethics has made a major contribution to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) — one of the world's premier accounting bodies. Through membership of its Ethics Standards Committee and collaboration with ICAEW staff the Business School's Professor Christopher Cowton has brought a unique academic perspective to the Institute's promotion of professional ethics. Cowton's research, part-funded by the Institute, has shaped its ethics agenda for its 140,000 members in over 160 countries, along with its thought leadership on integrity and the public interest, its initiative to promote integrity in business, and the new ethics examination for aspiring Chartered Accountants.
Research by the University of Huddersfield's Centre for Applied Childhood Studies (CACS) carried out between 2008-2009 has played a major role in tackling the problem of child sex abuse in the Caribbean. A study we have undertaken which UNICEF described as a "landmark" in the field has led to government acknowledgement of the problem, growing public awareness of its effects, new policies, legislative reform, innovative child protection programmes and improvements in the capabilities of professionals and agencies. The research is also helping to shape responses to child sexual abuse in other parts of the world.
University of Huddersfield research into engine technologies has resulted in a major new partnership with the UK arm of engineering multinational BorgWarner, leading to the company increasing R&D capabilities in the UK. This collaboration, funded partly by parent company BorgWarner US and partly by the government's Regional Growth Fund, involves multi-million-pound investment, as well as significant job creation and safeguarding. It was a key factor in the company securing a substantial contract with Jaguar Land Rover, whose decision was informed by the University's capacity to help BorgWarner further its R&D activities and upskill its workforce for the benefit of the UK automotive supply chain and the local and national economy.