- Professor Chris Johnson, Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology visited Aston to see innovative research advancements
- Highlights of the tour included the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing, the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME) and the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)
- The visit showcased pioneering research and technologies designed to have a transformational impact on sustainability in the UK and globally.
Professor Chris Johnson, Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) explored innovative advancements in diverse fields of research during a recent visit to Aston University.
The visit, which was organised in partnership with Midlands Innovation and the West Midlands Combined Authority, opened with an introduction to the UK Multidisciplinary Centre for Neuromorphic Computing at Aston University. The centre is pioneering brain-inspired, energy-efficient computing technologies designed to address the sustainability challenges facing digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence systems.
The Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence – a unique interdisciplinary research hub spanning world-class expertise in biology, physics and chemistry – was also a key focus during the visit. Of particular interest was the MEMetic research programme, a revolutionary approach to sustainable water management which could enable low-energy desalination to facilitate clean drinking water from sea water, valuable resources to be reclaimed and reused, and harmful pollutants to be removed from water to protect communities.
The visit included a tour of Aston’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) which combines expertise in thermochemical, biological and catalytic conversion on biomass to develop sustainable energy systems. The Biochar CleanTech Accelerator – focused on carbon-capture innovation – was highlighted with insights into how unwanted organic material could be transformed into commercially-valuable products which could be used in a multitude of industrial and environmental applications.
Professor Mike Caine, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, said:
“At Aston University, we are driven by a commitment to research with impact. From neuromorphic computing, reducing the energy consumption required for AI adoption, to groundbreaking membrane research tackling global water challenges, to innovations in carbon capture, Aston's expertise is at the forefront of solutions that matter. We were proud to demonstrate the transformational impact to Professor Chris Johnson and DSIT, showing how research excellence translates into tangible benefits for society.”
Professor Chris Johnson, Chief Scientific Adviser, DSIT said:
“From efforts to make AI less energy-intensive, through to cleaning up precious water supplies, the work that’s happening at Aston is important to very many of the Government’s ambitions for the economy and society.
“The Government’s Plan for Change will only succeed if we harness innovations that help us work smarter, waste less, and live more healthily. That’s precisely why we’re backing science and research, in the Midlands and beyond.”
- Notes to Editors
-
About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as Continuing Professional Development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is 2nd in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773959 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk.