Work Packages

Most of the effort throughout the network operation is directed to the exchange of research and teaching ideas and experiences, and to develop long-term collaborative research activities. In order to achieve the network objectives and vision, the activities of the network are divided into six technical work packages (WP1-WP6) and one non-technical work package (WP7).

The technical work packages will be focusing on six research topics listed in the Table below. The activities within each work package include:

·       Organising a workshop on the research topic at the host university (The advisory members and delegates from EPSRC will be invited to attend the first and last workshops).

·       Discussing future perspectives in the research area.

·       Identifying research opportunities.

·       Preparing joint grant proposals. One to two joint proposals are expected from each WP.

 

Table  New-ACE: Technical work packages

No.

Host

Theme

WP1

Q.-C. Zhong, University of Liverpool

Renewable energy and control in power electronics

WP2

K. Li, Queen's University Belfast

Computational intelligence in identification and control

WP3

S. Evangelou, Imperial College London

Dynamics and control of mechanical & aerospace systems

WP4

A. C. Zolotas, Loughborough University

Control in transportation and communication systems

WP5

D. Coca, The University of Sheffield

Life science applications of control

WP6

Q.-C. Zhong, University of Liverpool

Advanced process control

 

The non-technical work package (WP7) is run by the steering committee, consisting of the core members and two drawn from participants including one from industry. The activities of WP7 includes:

(1) day-to-day management of the network,
(2) building and maintenance of the network website,
(3) monitoring overall progress, 
(4) communications with advisory members,
(5) reports and dissemination,
(6) organising special interest group meetings to exchange ideas in preparing lecture notes, teaching experience, etc.,
(7) encouraging members to attend activities run by EPSRC and other funding bodies,
(8) coordinating mutual visits to research laboratories,
(9) organising seminars, workshops, or special sessions in UK or international control conferences,
(10) exchanging best practice with other EPSRC-funded networks.

The network (WP7) will continuously liaise with professional bodies such as UK Automatic Control Council (UKACC) and IET, IMechE and InstMC. The network encourages the members, with financial support from the network, to actively participate the activities organised by these bodies, e.g. participating committees, attending meetings and workshops, etc.

The network (WP7) will organise miscellaneous staff development presentations from advisory members and/or external keynote speakers on various topics, such as career development, preparation of successful grant proposals, leadership, management kills, advanced teaching and learning, course design etc. These will be embedded into workshops.