Professor Eileen Harkin-Jones has joined Ulster University as its Bombardier-Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair.
Focusing primarily on aerospace composites, she will also foster collaborations and partnerships across other key engineering research areas, including computing, metal forming and nano-technology.
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor Richard Barnett said: “Our expertise in the area of advanced materials engineering is internationally respected — and no more so than in the aerospace sector.
From the development of a platform of advanced manufacturing technologies to the development of globally leading materials concepts and commercialisation, Ulster University is: impacting on local and international economies via technology transfer, consultancies and ‘spin-outs’; developing the core skills that are shaping key industry sectors; and adding value to this region’s FDI proposition.
“Professor Harkin-Jones brings many years of expertise, partnerships and strategically important skills. This can only enhance our relationship with both Bombardier and the Royal Academy, adding value to this university’s already world-class research credentials and supporting the wider STEM skills agenda.”
Michael Ryan, general manager at Bombardier Belfast, said: “The appointment of Professor Harkin-Jones is an important step forward for composites and structural materials innovation in Northern Ireland.
"Bombardier has a strong history of innovation here in Belfast, and partnerships have been crucial to this, including those forged through the NI Advanced Composites and Engineering Centre, which is based on collaboration between industry and the two local universities. We are looking forward to supporting pioneering collaborative research projects with Professor Harkin-Jones.”