Universities Minister visits Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre

Chris Skidmore MP, the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, toured the University of Sheffield’s AMRC on Thursday, January 16, to see how it allows academia, industry and government to work together and address challenges around productivity, processes and skills in sectors including aerospace, energy and construction.

Mr Skidmore also took part in discussions about the type of investment, commitment and structures needed to build the innovation, skills and business base required to rebalance the UK economy, transfer industry back to the area and recognise the north’s full potential.

The universities minister said the work at the University of Sheffield AMRC is “supercharging manufacturing” and demonstrates how industry, academics and government is collaborating to boost prosperity.

He added: “Driving innovation in all parts of the UK is vital. We’re determined to harness brilliant research like this, to grow the economy and secure our status as a global science superpower.”

The AMRC is a network of world-leading research and innovation centres that work with some of the world’s leading companies including Boeing, Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

It undertakes vital research and development projects with small and medium-sized enterprises and teaches apprentices of all levels.

Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “At the AMRC we have a tried and tested model where government, industry and academia work together to drive innovation that makes a measurable difference to regional and national success.

“The AMRC model is unique because it offers a real space for innovation - where risks can be taken and the products and processes that emerge can be immediately tested in partnership with leading global companies.

“This model could be one of the key drivers for Northern Powerhouse growth, and we are excited to explore how we can work with other universities to adapt it to support towns, cities and industry sectors across the north of England.”

The majority of the AMRC facilities are in Rotherham and Sheffield, but the AMRC and the Nuclear AMRC also have sites in Derby, Birkenhead, Preston and Wales.