Manchester signs partnership agreement with BAE Systems

19 Jan 2017

The University has signed a strategic framework agreement with multinational defence, security and aerospace company BAE Systems to establish a long-term relationship in research, education and consultancy

Manchester – which has a range of world-class science and engineering strengths, including expertise in aerospace and the development of advanced materials – is among a small group of selected UK universities invited to sign this partnership agreement with the UK-based defence, aerospace and electronics giant.

The move comes after BAE Systems announced that it will focus on building closer partnerships with a smaller number of universities which share expertise in particular areas of future capability.

Professor Martin Schröder, Vice-President of the University and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Dave Holmes, Manufacturing Operations Director (Military Air and Information) at BAE Systems, signed the agreement in Manchester.

Professor Martin Schröder said at the ceremony: “Manchester is a world-leader in supporting industry with innovation and break-through technologies.

“We are therefore delighted to sign this framework agreement with BAE Systems which will ensure our relationship will grow even stronger in the future - and we look forward to working with BAE Systems on exciting research and education innovations.”

Dave Holmes added: “This signing marks a really important step forward in the way that we, as a company, develop future capabilities.

“Manchester is one of only a handful of UK universities that we have selected to form long-term strategic partnerships to help us drive forward research and development of specific technologies.

“I'm really excited about what the partnership will bring. This more focused combination of industry expertise and leading academics will deliver even more innovative solutions for UK industry.”