Summary of the impact

Using advanced mathematics and numerical modelling we have demonstrated how fundamental understanding of laminar-turbulent transitions in fluid flows can save energy. From 2008 we helped the cleantech company, Maxsys Fuel Systems Ltd, to understand and improve their technology and demonstrate to customers how it can reduce fuel use by 5-8%. Customers including Ford Motor, Dow Chemical and Findus testify to the impact from financial savings and reduced carbon emissions obtained by installing Maxsys products on industrial burners used widely in many industrial sectors including automotive, bulk chemicals and food. In 2010, Selas Heat Technology Company bought the Maxsys brand to invest in this success.

Summary of the impact

Increased understanding of how a member state can influence the EU created two kinds of impacts: changing thinking, understanding and awareness (e.g. HM Treasury); and changing strategy and policy (e.g. EU Committee of Regions). Impacts were generated between 2008 and 2012 on the Polish Government, the Swedish International Development Agency, the US Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation, civil servants in Ukraine, Russia and the UK, the European think tank community, the Labour Party and the EU's Committee of the Regions. Impact was generated through consultancies to public bodies and by providing advice to governments, international organisations and the private sector.

Summary of the impact

Research in Aston University on developing effective practices in teaching English to young learners (TEYL) has achieved the following key impacts:

1. Findings from the research have informed international policy discussions on TEYL. For example, the TESOL-Italy mission statement on TEYL includes recommendations derived from the findings (TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
2. The research project led to the publication of a book of teaching resources for primary school teachers distributed globally by the British Council. This book is used by both primary school teachers around the world and teacher educators in the UK.

Summary of the impact

Research carried out at the Centre for Forensic Linguistics (CFL) at Aston has achieved the following significant impacts:

1. Casework: Reports for forensic investigations, and provision of opinion and evidence for police investigations, criminal trials and civil proceedings, have all contributed to verdicts of guilt or innocence and to judgements in civil and appeal Courts.
2. Policy development and training: Research findings have changed police practice in interviewing witnesses and suspects, and specifically in cases where there is an interpreted interview. Changes to Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) taking of non-native English speaker witness statements represents a significant, concrete example.

Summary of the impact

Visual analytics is a powerful method for understanding large and complex datasets that makes information accessible to non-statistically trained users. The Non-linearity and Complexity Research Group (NCRG) developed several fundamental algorithms and brought them to users by developing interactive software tools (e.g. Netlab pattern analysis toolbox in 2002 (more than 40,000 downloads), Data Visualisation and Modelling System (DVMS) in 2012).

Industrial products. These software tools are used by industrial partners (Pfizer, Dstl) in their business activities. The algorithms have been integrated into a commercial tool (p:IGI) used in geochemical analysis for oil and gas exploration with a 60% share of the worldwide market.

Improving business performance. As an enabling technology, visual analytics has played an important role in the data analysis that has led to the development of new products, such as the Body Volume Index, and the enhancement of existing products (Wheelright: automated vehicle tyre pressure measurement).

Impact on practitioners. The software is used to educate and train skilled people internationally in more than 6 different institutions and is also used by finance professionals.

Summary of the impact

Aston University researchers developed and maintain the Uncertainty Markup Language (UncertML) for quantitative specification and interoperable communication of uncertainty measures in the Web. It is the only complete mechanism for representation of uncertainty in a web context. UncertML has been:

- Used in policy and decision making by UK (Food and Environment Research Agency) and international (European Commission) government agencies, and many research / industrial institutes;

- Presented at industrial /technical workshops, leading to ongoing international collaborations with bodies such as national space agencies (ESA and NASA) and government data providers;

- Accepted as a discussion paper for formal standardisation by the Open Geospatial Consortium;

- Chosen by independent data providers for efficient sharing of complex information and rigorous risk analysis across scientific domains such as pharmacy, global soil mapping and air quality.

Summary of the impact

The impact we describe arose from research led by Professor Brian Tighe between 1998 and 2013 involving research students and fellows of Aston Biomaterials Research Unit (BRU). We proposed [3.1] that responsive polymers modelled on nature's macromolecules would be required for successful synthesis of biomaterials analogues of natural systems. This led to health and economic impacts in the area of vision care, specifically: a commercially successful family of daily disposable contact lenses (current annual sales > 2 billion lenses), which use blink-activated release of hydrophilic macromolecules from contact lenses to mimic aspects of the corneal surface thereby enhancing ocular comfort.

Summary of the impact

The impacts from over 20 years bioenergy research at Aston University, have been through influence and support for businesses to generate and use environmentally advantageous sources of power, fuels and chemicals. Pilot scale systems that exploit pyrolysis and gasification of biomass residues and renewable feed-stocks are operational. The EU, UK and local governments have developed policies with the Unit's advice on the potential of bioenergy for power generation and waste reduction. Technical and business advice have been provided, a new company formed, investments made in new business directions by SMEs and large multinational companies. This has generated new employment opportunities in consultancy, design and manufacture of systems, social and environmental benefits, along with greater public awareness.

Summary of the impact

Statutory regulators from Great Britain and Ireland commissioned Professors Keith Wilson and Christopher Langley to undertake research at Aston University to establish an evidence-base for pharmacy educational reform. These systematic evaluations, conducted between 2003 and 2010, have redefined pharmacy education in Great Britain and Ireland, notably resulting in a re-focus on patient need. Arising from the influence of Aston research, the following impacts on policy, practitioners and services resulted in;

• An evidence-base for pharmacy educational reform in Great Britain.
• A revised national government policy in the development of pharmacy workforce capability.
• A restructuring of pharmacy education policy and guidelines in Ireland.

Summary of the impact

Research into healthcare associated infections (HAI) at Aston University is led by Professor Lambert, Dr Worthington and Professor Hilton. New strategies to prevent and reduce HAI through a cleaner healthcare environment (antimicrobial surfaces and disinfection) and improved pre-surgical skin antisepsis have been founded on Aston's research in this field since 2007. This work has delivered significant impact on commerce, health and welfare and policy by:

1. Influencing practice within the healthcare setting and sales of copper surfaces.
2. Influencing policy changes within healthcare.
3. Prevention of infection rates and improved patient health within the clinical setting.
4. Improving product awareness and licencing within the commercial sector.