Simon Edwards, Ricardo’s Global Director of Technology, has been appointed Chair of the European Automotive Research Partners Association (EARPA). The organization consists of over 40 of the most prominent R&D providers in the European automotive sector and is independent of any external body. It is funded only by its members, which range from large and small commercial organizations to national institutes and universities. As a platform for automotive researchers, EARPA aims to actively contribute to the European Research Area and to future EU Framework research programs, promoting close cooperation with the automotive industry, automotive suppliers, the oil industry, European Institutions, and EU Member States. Edwards is a specialist in engine development, with a particular interest in commercial vehicles. He rejoined Ricardo in 2012 after spending six years as Director for Advanced Engineering at Behr GmbH & Co. in Stuttgart. Edwards had worked earlier for Ricardo over a 13-year period beginning in 1993, rising to the position of Chief Engineer, Technology, at Ricardo Germany, during which he managed all the company’s research activities in that country. Prior to joining Ricardo for the first time, he completed his doctorate while working for LeylandDAF Trucks. The author of more than 35 technical papers and the co-editor of two books of statistics in engine optimization, Simon has also been a visiting lecturer at and sits on the technical advisory board for the Esslingen University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
Simon Edwards, Global Director of Technology, Ricardo, and new Chair of EARPA.