GLOBAL technology giant Amentum – which employs more than 1,500 people in Warrington – has expanded collaboration with the University of Manchester on world changing technologies.
The company operates the UK’s largest private sector complex of nuclear laboratories and engineering test facilities at Birchwood.
The aim is to drive advances in materials science, robotics, digitalisation, energy and social impact.
Andy White, senior vice president of Amentum Energy and Environment International, said: “Our relationship with the university is about advancing the future together by combining the power of academic research and industrial know-how.
“By working together, Amentum and the university have had great success in delivering impressive solutions for customers, creating opportunities for our people, and supporting research and development work at both organisations’ laboratories.
“We have now signed a new memorandum of understanding for the next phase of our collaboration, which will see us delivering ground-breaking research and developing new technologies with the potential to change the world and applying them in the industries where Amentum operates.
For more than a decade, Amentum has collaborated with the university’s Dalton Nuclear Institute on structural integrity, corrosion, robotics and chemistry. This work has helped ensure the safe operation and life extension of the UK’s nuclear power stations and has also enhanced a scientific and technical offering which underpins Amentum’s leading role in key growth areas such as the design and development of small modular and advanced reactors.
More recently, Amentum and the UK government’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council have funded the Centre for Robotic Autonomy in Demanding and Long-lasting Environments with the university to develop advanced robotics for hazardous or hard to access environments and to research the ethical and regulatory implications for society from the proliferation of autonomous systems.
Professor Richard Curry, vice-dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, said: “Our University has a proud legacy of research that transforms industries and improves lives – from initiating the computer revolution to isolating graphene. But it’s what comes next that will define us. Together with Amentum, we share a bold ambition: to deliver research that is not only world-leading but world-changing.”
Dr Louise Bates, director of Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange at the university, added: “This partnership presents an exciting chance to push boundaries, redefine knowledge and accelerate the journey from discovery to real-world impact. By uniting our community’s pioneering research with Amentum’s expertise, we can deliver positive change for society and the environment by tackling some of the greatest challenges facing the industries Amentum serves.”
The University of Manchester is recognised globally for its pioneering research, outstanding teaching and learning, and commitment to social responsibility.
Pictured: Professor Martin Schröder, vice-president of The University of Manchester and dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (left) and Andy White, senior vice president of Amentum Energy and Environment International, sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand collaboration on world-changing technologies
