This will be an on-line event with a link sent to those who book prior to the event. If you are viewing this on the day then the link to join is:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_OWMzZTM0ZTktYmMzYi00NTMxLTkxZDItN2M4M2Y0NGQ5M2U3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22efd8ddfb-b094-4938-9b36-c77112f290af%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22b7864272-fa59-42e3-a989-21fc28745c95%22%7d

Formula Student is an international competition run by the IMechE, whereby Universities from across the globe compete in designing, testing and building small, single seat cars from scratch. Whilst the competition has run for many years, the University of Oxford has only recently decided to take part, and 2022 saw the first entry into the electric vehicle class. The competition culminates each summer in a five-day event at Silverstone race circuit, giving the chance for each team of students to receive detailed feedback on their designs and compete in a series of static and dynamic events against their competition. In this talk, Dr. Walker will discuss the Oxford University team, challenges faced by the students and why the competition is highly beneficial, not only for those with aspirations of working in Formula 1, but also in preparing graduates effectively for industry.

Dr. Ryan Walker is a mechanical engineer, lecturer and researcher with the University of Oxford. His background is in automotive and aerospace engineering, with a history of working in the motorsport sector. Prior to his appointment at Oxford, he spent 9 years as a systems engineer with the Mercedes Formula 1 team, and has in the past worked across Formula 4, 3, 2 and in sports car racing – including the Le Mans 24 hours. In his role at Oxford he leads the Formula Student team as faculty advisor and pursues his research interests in advanced thermofluids and condition monitoring in the automotive sector.