The University of Sheffield’s three new multi-million pound research centres, which aim to boost the region’s reputation as a hub for advanced engineering and industrial digital technologies, were officially opened earlier this month by Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP and Mayor of the Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis MP.

They praised the work taking place there and how it will allow businesses to gain access to university research
expertise and use industrial digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

Mr Berry 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 and high-performance economy that is fit for the future.”

Mr Jarvis said: “These cutting-edge facilities will form part of a wider Global Innovation Corridor, linking sites across our region that excel in research, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

“Firmly rooted in our existing strengths, this corridor will be a global magnet for people, industry and innovators and a huge contributor to our nation’s prosperity.”

The centres — the Royce Translational Centre (RTC), the Laboratory for Verification and Validation (LVV) and the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR) — are located in the heart of the Sheffield City Region’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District.

They are all housed in custom-designed new buildings, creating 3,000m² of high-technology facilities at an investment of £47 million.

The research centres are part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, UK Research and Innovation and the University of Sheffield.