SRPe's 1st Cohort of NMIS-IDP Students Attend the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre Launch by First Minister

SRPe’s 1st cohort of National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Industry Doctorate Students and Industry Sponsors were delighted to be invited to the launch of the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre on 26th June 2019.

In addition to formally launching the centre First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met with the students and heard more about their exciting research projects addressing key manufacturing challenges and opportunities spanning the aerospace, energy, marine, biomedical, defense and pharmaceutical sectors. Based on an investment by the Scottish Government, industry and the Scottish universities these are the first of 30 industry doctorate projects being launched by SRPe in 2018/19 as part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Manufacturing Skills Academy.

Opening the Lightweight Manufacturing Centre, temporarily located in the Doosan Babcock facility in Renfrew, the First Minister said: “Our ambition is to build on Scotland’s long history of innovation and to be seen as modern inventors and producers, rather than just consumers of goods. It is really important as technology rapidly advances, that our economy must follow suit.

“This world-class centre will help us do just that, as the first stage of our new National Manufacturing Institute Scotland. Businesses across Scotland will benefit from access to state-of-the-art equipment and opportunities for collaboration and research and development. The opportunities that stem from lightweight manufacturing will help increase their competitiveness.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Lightweighting technology holds huge promise for a wide range of sectors, from making aircraft and vehicles lighter and more energy efficient, to improving renewable energy technology performance, and developing the next generation of materials for health care.

The new centre provides the skills and services needed to place Scottish industry at the forefront of lightweight manufacturing, helping companies of all sizes compete globally.

"Today’s launch marks an important milestone in Scotland’s innovation journey, and we look forward to working side-by-side with businesses around the country.”