Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse visited the University of Bath on Wednesday, May 28, to witness firsthand the pioneering work of the university’s students and researchers. The visit showcased a range of ground-breaking projects from hydrogen energy advancements to student-led engineering innovations and important mental health research.
The day began with the 2025 Joseph Black Keynote Lecture, delivered by Navjot Sawhney and Hélène Verhaeghe of The Washing Machine Project. Their device—a hand-cranked washing machine—has transformed life for low-income and displaced communities by drastically reducing the manual effort typically endured by women and girls for laundry work.
Following the lecture, Wera toured the Faculty of Engineering’s Design and Project Exhibition, celebrating its 60th year. The event featured 78 student-led projects from nearly 200 undergraduates in mechanical, electronic, and electrical engineering departments. She engaged with Team Bath Racing Electric, a competitive Formula Student group, as well as students developing innovative pest management solutions for agriculture.
Alongside university leaders including Professor Marcus Munafò and registrar Ian Blenkharm, Wera discussed key issues affecting students such as international visa regulations and ongoing uncertainties in UK student visa policies.
A highlight of her visit was a detailed briefing on Bath’s hydrogen research with professors Tim Mays and Chris Bowen. The projects UK-HyRES and GW-Shift, supported by the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), are at the forefront of creating cleaner energy solutions—a topic of great interest to Wera as a member of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee.
Switching focus, Wera met with experts from the Department of Psychology to learn about crucial mental health research, including work on eating disorders—a leading cause of mortality in mental health. Speaking with Dr Pamela Jacobsen and Professor Ed Keogh, she emphasized her support as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eating Disorders, highlighting the urgent need for increased research funding in this area.
Her campus tour concluded with visits to the Students’ Union, where she met with student leaders Benji Thompson and Jiji Alamo, and a sneak peek at URB, the student-run radio station. At the exhibition, Wera presented the 2025 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team prize to Team Bath Heart and awarded poster prizes to outstanding student projects.
Finally, Wera viewed the new eco-friendly 3G pitch at the Sports Training Village, an innovative surface made from recyclable wooden chips, setting an example for sustainable sports facilities nationwide.
Reflecting on her visit, Wera Hobhouse stated, “I am immensely proud of the University of Bath’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and mental health research. Their leadership in hydrogen technology and work on eating disorders resonates deeply with me. The exceptional talent and determination displayed by students and staff alike promise a brighter, more equitable future.”
Professor Marcus Munafò added, “Wera’s visit reinforced the impact of our education, research, and innovation efforts. We appreciate her continued support in highlighting the University’s contributions to vital global challenges.”
Incoming Students’ Union President Benji Thompson commented, “Meeting Wera is always an invaluable opportunity to raise student concerns and strengthen our representation at national levels, ensuring student voices remain heard.”