Harper will join UK Research and Innovation in April 2018 to lead the Faraday Battery Challenge – government’s £246 million investment to develop safe, cost-effective, durable, lighter weight, higher performing and recyclable batteries in the UK.
He will work across Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), who will jointly deliver the challenge, and work closely with the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).
Harper has been working as director of engineering research at JLR since 2006. He is a chartered engineer, a fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Academy of Engineering, and an honorary fellow of the University of Warwick.
He said: “This is a unique opportunity to maximise the advantage for the UK from the shift to the electrification of transport by creating a high-tech, high-value, high-skill industry in battery technology.
“It is also a very exciting time to be joining UK Research and Innovation as it sets out to become the best research and innovation agency in the world.”
