West of England Mayor Helen Godwin visited IAAPS at the Bristol & Bath Science Park on Thursday 22 January to see how the University of Bath’s flagship innovation facility is supporting clean transport and net zero ambitions across the region
During the visit, the Mayor toured IAAPS’ specialist testing and simulation facilities and met researchers, engineers and students working on next-generation transport technologies.
She was accompanied by Jess Lee, Director of Strategy at the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), who also sits on the advisory board of the University’s Institute for Policy Research.
Research with impact
Reflecting after the visit, she said: "IAAPS shows how world-class research can translate into real, everyday impact for our region. The University of Bath is playing a crucial role in delivering innovation and our growth ambitions. It was inspiring to meet the PhD students and researchers and to see first-hand the talent, ambition, and enthusiasm of the next generation of engineers in the West.
“What I saw during this visit underlines the importance of strong collaboration between universities, industry and our combined authority. By working together, we can create more well-paid jobs and ensure the West of England can develop a cleaner, more sustainable transport system that people can rely on.”
Building on a legacy
IAAPS builds on more than 50 years of propulsion systems research at the University of Bath.
Breakthroughs led by Bath engineers have helped to improved engine efficiency and reduce emissions, contributing to the equivalent of more than 100,000 cars being taken off the road. Today, IAAPS combines that legacy with state-of-the-art facilities and close collaboration with industry and policymakers.
Discussions during the visit focused on how the University of Bath’s research strengths and skills provision align with the West of England Growth Strategy, particularly in clean transport, decarbonisation and the creation of high-value jobs.
The visit also showcased IAAPS’ doctoral training programme, with PhD students presenting research on transport, behaviour and society. The interdisciplinary programme spans engineering, policy and social science, equipping researchers with the skills needed to respond to the rapid transformation of transport systems.
The Mayor also heard about the University’s ambitions in hydrogen and clean aviation. Through IAAPS, Bath is supporting research, innovation and industrial engagement across hydrogen production, storage and use, alongside low-carbon propulsion technologies for future flight.
Innovating with industry at scale
Professor Chris Brace, Executive Director at IAAPS said: “We were really pleased to welcome Helen and Jess to IAAPS and to showcase how the University of Bath’s research and facilities are supporting the West of England’s ambitions for clean transport, innovation and high-value jobs.
“IAAPS represents the evolution of more than five decades of propulsion systems research at the University of Bath and our work has already delivered real-world impact by improving efficiency and reducing emissions at scale.
“Today, we are accelerating the transition to clean, affordable and sustainable transport while developing the highly skilled engineers and researchers the region needs. Achieving this depends on strong partnerships, and it is vital that we work closely with the Mayor and the West of England Combined Authority to align our ambitions and maximise impact for the region.”
The University of Bath has a strong track record of working with WECA, including through IAAPS and its doctoral training centre. Activity to date has included student-led research on the future of green transport in the region, collaborative discussions aligning research and innovation with regional priorities, and joint research incubators exploring shared and low-emission transport systems.
In addition to meeting IAAPS researchers and technical staff, the Mayor was briefed on activity and emerging insights from The Brunel Centre about how its data and evidence outputs support regional growth agendas in South Gloucestershire and beyond.
Professor Emma Carmel, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), said: “IAAPS is a powerful expression of the University of Bath’s wider mission, bringing together world-class research, industry collaboration and skills development to support inclusive and sustainable growth, while tackling some of the toughest challenges facing our transport and energy systems.
“We were delighted to welcome Helen and Jess to see the facility and discuss our future ambitions. If the region is to fully realise its economic and net zero goals, strong partnerships between Bath and the other regional universities, with industry and the West of England Combined Authority, is essential.”
Helen's visit to IAAPS was the second in a month, following her campus tour at the start of January 2026.