KTP with Weir Valves up for ‘Best of the Best’ award
Weir Valves Principal Engineer Matthew Charlton (left) and HR Manager Joanne Hirst are pictured with the University's Professor Rakesh Mishra (right).
Wed, 04 Nov 2015 13:17:00 GMT
The University and Weir have been shortlisted in the Research Councils UK Knowledge-based Impact category
THE University of Huddersfield’s Professor Rakesh Mishra has made significant scientific and technological breakthroughs while carrying out research for a large number of UK firms, including one of the world’s most iconic car companies. The knowledge he gained has been of massive benefit to ambitious manufacturer Weir Valves, of Elland, resulting in a huge boost in global sales. Now, this partnership is in line for a valuable award from a UK Government-backed organisation.
Professor Mishra has supervised a sequence of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) with Weir Valves and Control Ltd, which is part of Weir Group PLC. KTPs – which link go-ahead firms with university researchers – are co-funded by Innovate UK, which holds an annual Best of the Best awards ceremony.
The University of Huddersfield’s collaboration with Weir has been shortlisted in 2015’s Research Councils UK Knowledge-based Impact category. The winner will be announced on 10 November during Innovate UK’s London conference, a flagship event attended by more than 400 key figures from the worlds of industry and academic research, plus major international investors.
Professor Mishra heads the University’s Energy, Emissions and the Environment Research Group (EEERG) and fluid dynamics are one of his areas of expertise. In 2005, he carried out research for Bentley Motors, using fluid dynamic analysis to improve the performance of brake discs. He published his findings in scientific journals and Weir Valves realised that they could also be applied to control valves.
A KTP was formed between the University and Weir, resulting in major improvements to one of the company’s key products. Over three years there was a staggering 2500 per cent increase in sales, so that they had reached the millions by 2013. The collaboration was described as an exemplary KTP and there have subsequent research contracts between the firm and the University, with the first KTP now nominated for the 2015 Best Impact Award.
Professor Mishra is delighted by this new recognition. “We have had a very fruitful and stimulating relationship with Weir Valves and I am thrilled that it has been recognised in this way. I am a passionate advocate of KTPs and the way that they harness the research expertise of universities with firms that are determined to improve their product and sales, and the UK economy as a whole is also a major beneficiary. I strongly support Innovate UK’s strategy.”
Weir Valves Principal Engineer Matthew Charlton said: “This project is a shining example of the real-life benefits that KTP projects can have on a business, when it fully invests in the process”.
The Chief Executive of Innovate UK, Dr Ruth McKernan, added: “The drive, creativity and results that knowledge transfer partnerships achieve are incredible and it’s no wonder they have been going for more than 40 years. It never fails to impress me what people can achieve given the opportunity and encouragement. It’s those top calibre partnerships that get through the independent nomination process for our Best of the Best awards.
“Those nominated in 2015 are a testament to the fantastic skills, talent and ingenuity that can be developed when our universities and businesses work together. Well done to them all.”
