Our Publications & Research Initiatives

Assessing microbial acclimation and mild hydrothermal treatment to improve methane production from paper sludge (2026)

This research evaluates two approaches to improving biogas production from paper sludge: hydrothermal pretreatment and microbial acclimation. While pretreatment increased methane yields by 15–22%, its high energy requirements resulted in a negative net energy gain. In contrast, acclimated microbial communities delivered significantly higher methane production without additional energy input and improved long-term process stability. The findings demonstrate that microbial adaptation is a more effective, sustainable, and scalable strategy for converting paper sludge into renewable energy.

Calcium Oxide-Rich Industrial Waste Ash as a Lime Substitute in Sustainable Metakaolin-Based Binders (2026)

This study investigates the use of corrugated cardboard fly ash (CCFA), an industrial by-product, as a sustainable component in low-carbon cementitious binders. Findings show that while CCFA alone reduces compressive strength, combining it with metakaolin can achieve performance comparable to conventional cement blends. The research highlights the potential of CCFA to reduce cement use, support waste valorisation, and contribute to more sustainable construction materials.

Lignocellulosic biomass conversion to levulinic acid via acid catalysis: Current methods, opportunities and challenges for self-sustaining biorefineries (2025)

This review examines the production of levulinic acid from lignocellulosic biomass, highlighting advances in catalytic processes that improve yields and support sustainable biorefinery development. It also explores the potential of solid by-products, particularly hydrochar, for enhancing anaerobic digestion and increasing methane production. The paper identifies key research gaps and presents new insights into biomass valorisation, circular economy approaches, and low-carbon chemical production.

Bridging the AI-Cybersecurity gap for SMEs: Actionable lessons from a rapid and inclusive intervention (2026)

This paper explores how SMEs can manage the cybersecurity and governance challenges associated with rapid AI adoption. Drawing on a UK government-funded intervention involving 400 SMEs in Greater Manchester, it provides seven practical insights to help businesses strengthen AI-cyber readiness. The findings show that effective AI governance is not simply a technical issue but an evolving managerial capability, and highlight how accessible, low-burden support can help SMEs adopt AI securely, responsibly, and with greater confidence.

AI Security in Contactless Payments and Education: A Review (2025)

This paper examines the cybersecurity risks facing contactless payment systems in an increasingly AI-driven digital economy. Focusing on threats such as adversarial machine learning, ransomware, and vulnerabilities in NFC technologies, it evaluates emerging AI-based defence strategies and their practical limitations. The study also highlights the importance of integrating AI security, embedded systems, and threat modelling into computer engineering education, offering recommendations for securing future contactless payment ecosystems.

A Framework for Building a Secure, Resilient and AI-based Digital Future for SMEs (2025)

This paper presents a novel framework to help SMEs adopt artificial intelligence securely and responsibly while strengthening their cybersecurity resilience. Addressing AI’s dual role as both a cybersecurity enabler and a potential source of new vulnerabilities, the framework combines technical, organisational, and behavioural approaches to improve preparedness against emerging threats. It also promotes greater diversity in AI and cybersecurity by encouraging the participation of women in STEM. The research provides practical guidance to support secure AI adoption and enhance SME resilience.

Adversarial-aware Machine Learning for Enhancing Smart Grid Security (2024)

This study presents an adversarial-aware intrusion detection system for smart grids that enhances resilience against label flipping attacks, a form of data poisoning that can compromise machine learning models. Using the University of Queensland ICS cyber-attack dataset, the research evaluates multiple algorithms and demonstrates how a targeted countermeasure can restore model performance under attack conditions. The findings highlight Random Forest as the most robust approach and underscore the importance of defensive machine learning strategies for protecting critical energy infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.

A Decade of Data: A Journey of Change and Organisational Culture in UK Businesses (2026)

This study evaluates the Cultural Change Readiness Survey (CCRS), a tool designed to assess organisational culture and change readiness in UK SMEs. Analysis of 2,150 responses collected over 12 years confirmed its reliability and validity, with strengths identified in relationships, key tasks, and performance. Leadership, motivation, and attitudes to change showed greater variation, including a notable decline in motivation after 2022, highlighting the value of ongoing cultural assessment in supporting organisational change.

A Human-Centric Approach to Digital Transformation (2024)

This study explores the development of a digital skills portal to support Greater Manchester SMEs in adopting digital technologies and improving workforce digital capabilities. Using interviews and focus groups, the research identified key barriers to technology adoption, including limited strategy, skills gaps, cost, time constraints, and staff attitudes. The proposed platform combines business transformation resources with digital skills training and AI-enabled learning tools, offering practical solutions to enhance technology adoption, productivity, and regional economic competitiveness.

Navigating Technology Adoption in Micro-businesses: Unveiling the Dynamics of Top-Down and Bottom-Up Management Strategies (2024)

This study examines digital technology adoption in micro-businesses (MBs), a vital yet under-researched segment that represents the majority of UK businesses. It highlights how management limitations and business owner attitudes can hinder effective technology adoption, often leading to ad hoc implementation and underutilisation of digital tools. The research investigates the extent to which business owners influence digital adoption success, aiming to address gaps in understanding the unique challenges faced by micro-businesses.

The Death of Business as Usual: The Impact of VUCA on the sustainability of SME’s (2023)

This paper explores how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can navigate increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments shaped by globalisation, technological change, demographic shifts, and environmental pressures. Through a review of literature on leadership, innovation, technology, and organisational learning, the study identifies key areas of convergence that support business resilience and sustainability. The findings provide an evidence-based foundation for developing practical tools and strategies to help SME leaders adapt, innovate, and thrive in an increasingly unpredictable business landscape.

Reaching further: Integrating FE Colleges into place-based ecosystems for inclusive innovation (2026)

This research explores the role of Further Education (FE) colleges within regional innovation ecosystems, drawing on evidence from the Greater Manchester Further Education Innovation Programme (GMFEIP). The findings highlight how FE colleges act as embedded innovation intermediaries, connecting SMEs, learners, and communities to innovation opportunities. The study argues that FE colleges play a vital role in promoting inclusive, place-based innovation and should be strategically integrated into regional governance frameworks as core civic and knowledge partners.

Innovation “from the outside in” – rethinking regional ecosystems (2026)

This paper explores how the MediaCity Immersive Technology Innovation Hub (MITIH) supports SME innovation in Greater Manchester. Using Actor-Network Theory, it demonstrates how MITIH brings together businesses, technology, expertise, infrastructure, and funding to create collaborative innovation networks. The research argues that accelerators are more than structured programmes; they are place-based, socio-material platforms that enable coordination, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Findings highlight MITIH’s effectiveness in engaging SMEs and its role as a key catalyst within the regional innovation ecosystem.