The University of Huddersfield and TWI Ltd have announced the launch of two Innovation Centres — the Precision Engineering Innovation Centre and the Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre. This strategic partnership aims to deliver cutting-edge research and technological solutions to address real-world industrial challenges. The agreement was formalized at a contract signing ceremony held on December 16 at the university’s campus.
Representatives from the University of Huddersfield, including Professors Tim Thornton, Parik Goswami, Simon Parkinson, and Andrew Longstaff, joined TWI’s Warren Bath, James Kern, and Chris Milligan to mark the collaboration. This partnership brings together the university’s internationally recognized research expertise and TWI’s extensive experience in engineering innovation, spanning over 75 years.
The two Innovation Centres will focus on driving advancements in precision engineering and applied artificial intelligence (AI). The Precision Engineering Innovation Centre will explore technologies such as machine tool design, dimensional and surface metrology, and precision manufacturing. The Applied Artificial Intelligence Innovation Centre will emphasize AI-driven innovations, including autonomous systems, machine learning, and decision-making technologies.
Speaking about the collaboration, Professor Parik Goswami, director of research, innovation, and knowledge exchange at the University of Huddersfield, said: “It is truly inspiring to witness how these two centres merge the expertise from the university and TWI to create practical solutions and make a significant impact. These centres will serve as hubs where fundamental and applied research converge, offering stakeholders a competitive advantage in precision engineering and applied AI. This blend of unique expertise and perspectives will foster innovation and facilitate knowledge transfer.”
Chris Milligan, section manager of research and innovation operations at TWI Ltd, added: “We are excited for the joint R&D opportunities that lie ahead in the fields of precision engineering and applied AI, through the formation of these new Innovation Centres with the University of Huddersfield. As well as delivering solutions with positive impact for industry and society, their activities will also contribute to the provision of new capabilities and insights for TWI industrial members.”
The partnership will focus on securing grant funding from sources such as Horizon Europe and UK Research & Innovation to support long-term sustainability and collaborative research. The Innovation Centres aim to create new capabilities and provide access to advanced skills in their respective fields.
The University of Huddersfield is renowned for its research excellence and strong industry connections. With a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 and recognition as one of the top universities in England for staff qualifications, the institution is committed to producing impactful research. TWI, a global leader in fields such as welding, advanced coatings, materials, and non-destructive testing (NDT), complements this mission with its industry-focused expertise.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in aligning academic and industrial capabilities to address global challenges and deliver innovative solutions in precision engineering and AI. The two centres will play a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and ensuring the practical application of research for industry and society.
