Industry Leader To Head Up University of Derby's New Institute
4 June 2013
The Institute will genuinely support and add value to local companies, providing them access to the latest research findings and advanced technologies.
”Professor Richard Hall, inaugural Director of its Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE)
The University of Derby has today announced Professor Richard Hall as the inaugural Director of its Institute of Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE). Richard, who takes up the role on 1 September, is currently Associate Dean and Professor of Engineering Design and Simulation at the University of Wolverhampton.
Richard joins the University having built up considerable experience and an international reputation in the aerospace, automotive and high value manufacturing industries. At Wolverhampton he was instrumental in leading the development of the Innovative Product Development Centre, the Caparo Innovation Centre, and the Midlands Simulation Group.
During the past 15 years, these facilities have underpinned research, development and business support activities for local manufacturing supply chains, including over 3,000 SMEs. His reputation has been recognised in his appointment to the national review panel for the quality of research in higher education Research Assessment Exercise 2008 and more recently the Research Excellence Framework 2014 for Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing and Chemical Engineering.
Richard said: "Sustainability is the biggest global challenge faced by society today. Companies that can create new and innovative products, with sustainability in mind, will grow and be successful in increasingly competitive markets. The Institute will genuinely support and add value to local companies, providing them access to the latest research findings and advanced technologies.
"It will also enhance the already excellent facilities for the University's engineering students to provide a highly skilled and talented workforce to support the city's growth in the manufacturing sector. This is what makes the institute such an exciting proposition, where the University will work closely with its industrial partners for mutual benefits on so many levels.
"To be its first Director is an honour and I am relishing the challenge of bringing together the skills and experience of the University with those of leading businesses from across the region."
Due to open in early 2014, the Institute will accommodate a number of specialist resources for advanced manufacturing, product design and development and electronic solutions. Located at Lonsdale House on Quaker Way, to the north-west of Derby city centre, it will support on-going engagement with local industrial partners, provide an Active Learning Laboratory for innovative and creative teaching and learning, linking directly to the University's undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses.
In addition, it will provide a base for innovation, applied research and product development in a range of areas including advanced control, power electronics, optical fibres, and embedded systems for automotive, aerospace, rail and power generation sectors. It will also showcase the latest technological developments and enhance the ingenuity and creativity of Derby's technology industries through collaborative working.
Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said: "The University has always taken pride in contributing positively to the business and economic growth of the city and region. We are increasingly looking to align our investment to match the needs and strengths of the region and the establishment of the Institute is no exception.
"As Derby and the East Midlands continues to build its reputation as a manufacturing and hi-tech centre of excellence, the University fully intends to play a key role through the provision of quality research, resource and graduates.
"Richard's appointment is an exciting milestone in the development of the Institute, and his skills and experience will ensure the Institute will have a positive impact as soon as its doors open in January 2014. We are delighted to have secured the services of such a well renowned and respected professional in the field, and look forward to welcoming him to the fold."
