Popular broadcaster to oversee aluminium tech debate

Renowned scientist and historian Adam Hart-Davis has been announced as chair of a special discussion in Birmingham this autumn on aluminium’s growing role in the automotive sector.

The polymath broadcaster, who presented hit documentaries like What the Victorians Did For Us and Local Heroes, will preside over the Technology and Innovation Session of ALFED’s Aluminium in Road Transport Conference in November.

Panelists in the session will include Prof. Geoff Scamans, of Brunel University, and Geraint Castleton-White, of Lotus Lightweight Structures, alongside others from both industry and academia.

The conference takes place at the Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham on November 11 and 12, with the Technology and Innovation Session running on the afternoon of day one.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Hart-Davis said: “It’s a real privilege to be involved with the Aluminium Federation’s automotive conference and I’m excited about finding out how transport is innovating with this incredible metal.

“I hope and expect that there will be lots of discussion about how research for transport vehicles will lead to further uses of aluminium in many other areas of engineering.”

Will Savage, CEO of ALFED, said: “At ALFED we’re really excited about welcoming Mr Hart-Davis to the conference, and I’m sure he’ll be a big hit with speakers and delegates alike. The event is going from strength to strength and is becoming a firm fixture in the UK automotive industry’s calendar. It offers a great opportunity for suppliers from across the country to network with senior people in the carmaking industry.”

This year’s conference will build on 2013’s successful gathering, with more than 100 delegates due to attend each day from companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan and Toyota.

The conference is being organised by ALFED, the Aluminium Federation, supported by Jaguar Land Rover and the SMMT.