Three new multi-million pound research centres have been opened by the University of Sheffield in the region, aiming to further boost the city’s reputation as a hub for advanced engineering. The new centres could also boost the reputation of the Northern Powerhouse as a leader in advanced research, innovation and engineering.
The Royce Translational Centre (RTC), the Laboratory for Verification and Validation (LVV), and the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR) are all located within the Sheffield City Region’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.
RTC has been set up to evolve novel materials and processing techniques developed by research teams and make them accessible for trial by industry. It is home to Royce@Sheffield and the metals research group of AMRC, the National Metals Technology Centre (NAMTEC).
LVV will enable research into the design and operation of advanced engineering structures when exposed to real-world vibration and environmental conditions, allowing testing of both full structures and substantial components. Experimental data, computer modelling and machine learning will allow industry to produce lighter, safer designs for a range of industrial sectors.
ICAIR will enable experimental tests for investigating both underground and above ground constructed infrastructure. It can integrate data, AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing techniques to the field of infrastructure.
The centres are working with companies to help develop new technologies, using research to cut costs and lead times, which could potentially transform industrial processes and businesses. They form part of a £47 million investment, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), UK research and Innovation (UKRI) and the University of Sheffield.
The site is already home to the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Factory 2050 – the UK’s first advanced factory, dedicated to conducting collaborative research, component manufacturing and developing machining technologies.
