A recently launched research facility promises to provide a high-impact and transformative research environment for industry and academia to collaborate on advanced engineering, manufacturing, modelling and materials.

The Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) — based within the College of Engineering on Swansea University’s Bay Campus (www.swansea.ac.uk/engineering/impact) — was officially launched last month.

"Its new Engineering North building was officially opened by Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales. After the ceremony, guests were given live demonstrations of some current research projects.

Mr Drakeford said: “Swansea University is nurturing the Brunels, Teslas and Lovelaces of tomorrow through IMPACT.

“As the world faces multiple challenges, we will look to the ‘thinkers, the makers and the doers’ to innovate and help us find solutions for the future.

“We should be proud that this centre of excellence in Wales will be punching above its weight on the global stage.”

The £35 million IMPACT research operation, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh government and Swansea University, was designed to allow for emerging research priorities and can adapt to industry needs.

There are currently five core research themes: future manufacturing technologies; next-generation materials property measurement; advanced structural materials; thin films and coatings; and data-centric engineering.