University of Southampton and Lloyd's Register collaboration announced
World-leading expertise from the University of Southampton and Lloyd’s Register is being brought together in the largest research collaboration of its kind in the UK to be based in Southampton.
Drawing together the engineering excellence of both organisations in a new research hub in Southampton, the collaboration will focus on innovations in transport, energy and the environment. Academics and industry experts will combine forces throughout the entire process of identifying and researching challenges faced by businesses and communities worldwide to more effectively deliver solutions.
At the heart of the Centre there will be a Maritime Institute, drawing on the University’s wide range of expertise in maritime engineering, ocean science, law and business and strengthening links with the existing, highly varied range of marine businesses on the south coast.
Work will commence in the New Year on the state-of-the-art University of Southampton Centre of Excellence, which has an initial investment of £116 million. The campus will include the Lloyd’s Register Group Technology Centre, the cornerstone of the organisation’s global research and development network.
"By locating the cornerstone of Lloyd's Register global research and development network alongside the University's internationally renowned engineering scientists, we will establish a research and innovation hub that is unique in scale and ambition for the UK. Building on our 40-year history of collaboration in ship science, marine and energy-related projects, we will extend our cooperation to create new technologies that address some of society’s most pressing problems, as well as providing our students with unique opportunities to interact with real-time development projects and connect directly with potential future employers.” comments Professor Don Nutbeam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton.
The University has received funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the South of England Economic Development Agency to enable the new Centre of Excellence to take shape.
The Institute will aim to stimulate innovation, create new businesses and establish the city of Southampton and the wider south Hampshire region as a magnet for inward investment in the marine sector in the UK.
The first phase of the development at the University’s former Boldrewood campus is scheduled for completion in 2014.
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