Darren Hughes

Darren Hughes is a Materials Scientist within WMG at the University of Warwick. His work addresses current industrial challenges in the application of materials in efficient, sustainable and affordable ways. Darren has worked at WMG since 2010 with his work contributing to industrial impact in a number of high-value manufacturing sectors.

Prior to working at WMG, Darren was an Instrument Scientist based at the Institut Laue Langevin – European Synchrotron Radiation Facility joint site in Grenoble, France. Working on residual stress evaluation using synchrotron X-rays and neutrons, he worked on diverse projects including aircraft engine integrity, automotive joints and the ITER fusion reactor design.

At WMG, Darren has led the Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) project since 2017 which has developed an innovative light-rail transport concept, delivering a step-change in affordability, and opening low-carbon urban mobility options to transport planners. The project has delivered a full-scale implementation in Coventry in 2025 with Department for Transport funding.