New advanced engineering research facilities open in Sheffield

Today (October 11), Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP and Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, Dan Jarvis MP visited Sheffield to open the University of Sheffield’s three new multi-million pound research centres.

The centres are aiming to boost the region’s reputation as a hub for engineering and industrial digital technologies.

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “These three new research centres will boost the reputation of the Northern Powerhouse for being the world-leader in cutting-edge research, innovation and advanced engineering.

“Each centre will build upon the UK’s scientific research leadership to equip industry in these key priorities of the government’s Industrial Strategy so that we have a high-skilled, high-tech, high-performance economy which is fit for the future.”

Working with companies to help develop new technologies, the centres will use research to cut costs and lead times, aiming to revolutionise industrial processes.

Professor Mike Hounslow, vice president and head of the Faculty of Engineering, added: “At the University of Sheffield, we deliver pioneering interdisciplinary research and find solutions to global challenges.

“The three centres launched today build on this established expertise and firmly place us as a key partner for industry.

“The capabilities of the centres will enable us to test and operate on an industrial scale, translating theory into application to improve productivity, cost efficiencies and innovation across a broad range of sectors.”

The three translational research facilities are each housed in custom design new buildings, creating 3,000 sq m of high-technology facilities at an investment of £47m, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the University of Sheffield.

Each one builds upon the UK’s scientific research leadership to equip industry in these key priorities of the government’s Industrial Strategy.

As part of his visit, the Minister was given a tour of the new centres by professor Mike Hounslow, who highlighted some of the partnerships between the centres and local businesses.

ICAIR has worked with Sheffield’s Environmental Monitoring Solutions (EMS) to manage the increased risk of urban flooding caused by climate change.