The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) has appointed Helen Lightbody as its new chief operating officer (COO), as it continues to expand as part of the new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).

With a successful engineering career spanning almost three decades, Ms Lightbody graduated from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management (DMEM) in the early 1990s (www.strath.ac.uk/research/advancedformingresearchcentre).

After leading various operational teams at Scottish industry leaders Babcock International, the Weir Group and Glenfield Group, she has come full circle by joining the AFRC, which grew out of DMEM 10 years ago.

It has grown from 12 staff to over 170 in those 10 years, and it helps businesses to embrace advanced manufacturing technologies, de-risk innovation and improve their products and processes.

Ms Lightbody said: “I’m thrilled to come on board to develop a clear strategy that will lead us on to further development and create even more opportunities for our customers.

"The blend of academia and industry at the AFRC is unique, and it’s what motivated me to grab the opportunity with both hands.”