University joins low-carbon innovation and collaboration drive

The University of Derby has announced it has joined the Nuclear AMRC to collaborate on industrial research and skills development for nuclear and other low-carbon sectors.

The university is taking tier one membership of the Nuclear AMRC, joining major industry players in nuclear new build, manufacturing, engineering services and research.

It joins as the Nuclear AMRC opens its new industrial R&D facility at Infinity Park Derby, which will also provide a new home for the university’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).

Professor Warren Manning, provost – research and innovation at the university, said: “Collaborating together in such a way will further strengthen our partnership and enable us to share research and development opportunities, as well as exchange knowledge and expertise, supporting and addressing the local, regional and national skills needs.”

Tom Purnell, business development director at Nuclear AMRC, said: “The University of Derby is at the heart of collaboration, innovation and skills development in the region, and it’s a pleasure to formally welcome them to the Nuclear AMRC’s network.”

The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It collaborates with manufacturing and engineering companies of all sizes to help them innovate and win work in the nuclear supply chain.

While its original facility in South Yorkshire focuses on mechanical manufacturing processes for power plant components, Nuclear AMRC Midlands specialises in emerging technology areas, which will deliver the maximum impact for the UK’s nuclear supply chain – including digital engineering, control and instrumentation systems, and additive manufacturing.

The new factory-scale building at Infinity Park Derby includes an open-plan workshop for work on large fabrications and assemblies, plus dedicated laboratories for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, virtual reality and visualisation, and equipment qualification.

The centre will act as a regional hub to help Midlands-based manufacturers enter and win work in the nuclear supply chain and will also engage with local schools and colleges to help encourage young people to consider careers in science and engineering.

Around a quarter of the space will form a new base for IISE, with University of Derby researchers moving into dedicated laboratories and workspace in the autumn.

IISE specialises in developing sustainable life-cycle design and manufacturing processes for products, serving a range of sectors from transport to healthcare to help reduce their environmental impact.

The university and Nuclear AMRC previously worked together with regional and industry partners to help create the Rolls-Royce Nuclear Skills Academy, which is also on Infinity Park.

The academy opened its doors to its first cohort of 200 new apprentices in September last year, creating a dedicated pipeline of talent for Rolls-Royce’s submarine propulsion business, with teaching led by the University of Derby.

Professor Manning said: “We are delighted to become a member of the Nuclear AMRC – an organisation which we have worked closely with on the delivery of the Nuclear Skills Academy in Derby.

“This is an exciting time for the sector with many opportunities, and we look forward to driving forward innovation together.”

Mr Purnell said: “With our shared facility now open for business alongside the Nuclear Skills Academy at Infinity Park, we are perfectly placed to work together to help manufacturers in Derby and beyond to seize the opportunities of the energy transition and deliver sustainable growth and skilled employment for generations to come.”