Who are we?
WE ARE
DURHAM UNIVERSITY SOLAR CAR
A team of innovative university students who love to push our engineering skills to new levels. As a student run team, we design and build solar cars to race them in international events against other world-leading solar teams.
We are the UK’s longest running team of its kind, consistently pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. Since our founding, we have developed 6 generations of solar car, racing for the first time in 2008 across North America. Since our first international experience, we have continued to develop and grow as a team, and have now completed 5 campaigns in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. Our most recent race in the 2024 ESC saw us become UK national champions with our top-ten placed finish, whilst in our 2023 BWSC campaign, we took the highest placing British finish to date. We love to welcome new ideas and challenges to our 50-strong team which is ever-growing and evolving as new students join the university, bringing with them fresh ideas and solutions.
Numbers Speak for themselves
A team like no other
We believe that inclusion inspires innovation and have always had team members from a diverse academic background; from engineering to physics, mathematics, biology, economics, marketing and more, we immensely value the unique academic makeup of our team. This allows us to utilise our individual strengths to develop a futuristic, high performing and reliable solar car.
Development is key
As a team, we have always recognised our solar car is so much more than an engineering marvel. Our world is facing an age of unbelievable change and momentum, particularly in our climate. With global temperatures continue to rise, we all must accept responsibility for pushing towards a more sustainable future.
It’s been an incredible journey so far; exploring the world, testing the boundaries of modern technology, and learning to work and grow as a team. But we are just getting started.
In the coming years, we are committed to providing a powerful educational platform to inspire the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs and others who dare to think different. We will continue to raise public awareness of how innovative British engineering in solar power, renewable technologies and electric drive can leave the world better than we found it. Finally, we aim to lead the world in innovation and engineering excellence, creating the most efficient, fastest and most advanced solar electric vehicles ever seen.
This website gives you an insight into our past and a glimpse into our future; an exciting future in which we continue to build upon our strong heritage and continue to showcase, educate and inspire.
Meet the exec
Showcasing the students that lead our sub-teams, making Durham University Solar Car possible. Without their countless hours of hard work and dedication, we quite simply wouldn’t be where we are now.
Jake Sanders
Team Principal
3rd Year Mechanical Engineer
Starting as Team Principal has been an exciting and unique challenge so far. I am very proud of how every member of the team had developed and stepped up to ensure this project is successful.
jake.p.sanders@durham.ac.uk
Daisy Norris
Chief Engineer
3rd Year Mechanical Engineer
I’m excited to lead the engineering side of the solar car team this year. Nothing else gives you the feeling of accomplishment of seeing everything fall in to place to make one amazing project.
daisy.norris@durham.ac.uk
Rebecca Vaughan-Williams
Treasurer
3rd Year Mechanical Engineer
Solar Car has presented itself as a uniquely challenging, yet equally rewarding experience through my role as a Mechanical Engineer so far. I’m thrilled to be stepping up to the role of Treasurer this year, managing the team’s finances to realise the build of our next car.
rebecca.vaughan-williams@durham.ac.uk
David Sims-Williams
Faculty Lead
Director of Infrastructure
The solar car is a good match for the Department of Engineering at Durham University. It brings together the range of Engineering disciplines, it is challenging, and it rewards innovations that work.
Business
Nathan Lansing
Head of Business - Sponsorship
3rd Year Mechanical Engineer
After a successful year as Head of Outreach, I am elated to be leading the business team with a particular focus on the sponsorship side. I look forward to dedicating my time to all things business related, in addition to ensuring the team maintains and develops our partnerships. I will also continue to promote the team’s successful and educational outreach program.
nathaniel.lansing@durham.ac.uk
Anika Frame
Head of Business - Marketing
2nd Year General Engineer
Leading the business team presents an exciting opportunity for increased responsibility managing the team’s external presence. I am keen to share the team’s activities with students and companies who are excited about innovative technology and engineering. With a focus on our media and marketing, I hope to promote the team’s visibility across all social media platforms and news outlets.
anika.frame@durham.ac.uk
Technical
Ethan Glen
Head of Electrical
3rd Year Electronics Engineer
I am looking forward to continuing in the role of Head of Electrical, building on my experience from last year. I am excited to continue the progression of the Electrical side of the team, improving the performance and efficiency of the Electrical systems.
ethan.glen@durham.ac.uk
James Moorhouse
Head of Mechanical
3rd Year Mechanical Engineer
After spending 2 years with the team, I am proud to be stepping into the role of Head of Mechanical for the year ahead, where I will gain key skills in Engineering and Leadership. I look forward to taking on a leading role in the mechanical development of our cars, overseeing all aspects from design to construction.
james.moorhouse@durham.ac.uk
Logistics
Tom Bartholomew
Head of Logistics
2nd Year General Engineer
Leading the Logistics team is a fantastic opportunity to take on more responsibility within the team. I am looking forward to running the team’s operations behind the scenes, ensuring that everything runs smoothly, both at home and abroad at events. I am excited to be part of the Durham University Solar Car project for the year ahead!
tom.j.bartholomew@durham.ac.uk