University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is one of the leading research universities in the UK. The University is committed to combining its excellence in research and innovation with a vibrant enterprise culture and to encouraging the growth of knowledge-based businesses in the South West.  
 
We help businesses to grow and develop by offering access to world-class knowledge and technologies as well as cutting edge facilities and expertise. We achieve success through collaborative research projects, technology licensing, mentoring and investment in start-up companies. We offer support to establish Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. 
 
The University of Bristol has joined forces with the universities of Bath, Southampton and Surrey to establish the SETsquared Partnership to build new businesses and work more effectively with industry. With a combined research staff of 6,400 and research budget of £266 million, the resulting contribution to the UK "knowledge economy" is far greater than could be achieved individually.  
 
Recent successes: 
 
The University of Bristol and the University of Bath have collaborated to win a £3.4 million Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's Collaborative Training award. With this award, we have established an industry-driven Centre for the Management of Systems for Enhanced Performance, based in Bristol.  
 
The Centre runs an Engineering Doctorate (EngD), a four-year programme combining research and taught Masters-level courses for company employees or talented graduates. Most of the Research Engineer's time is spent working in the sponsoring company on an innovative product or process.  
 
Exciting new research driving innovation:  
 
- Robotics and Autonomous Systems 
The 21st century has seen the emergence of new independent intelligent robotic devices, designed to behave autonomously and cooperate with people and other devices. Robotic aids for the old and disabled, independent personal assistants, and unmanned autonomous vehicles are just some of the examples. These developments have been made possible by technological advances in sensors, materials, artificial intelligence, control systems and computing, miniaturisation and real-time performance.  
 
- Dynamics Engineering  
Worldwide annual repair and reconstruction costs following mechanical failures and earthquake damage is around £40bn. These losses are mostly due to our inability to design and manufacture robust engineering systems that can withstand extreme dynamic loads. The University is unique in having world-leading expertise across the engineering disciplines in four key areas that must be brought together if more effective engineering solutions are to be created. Only by integrating this expertise can we create a new approach to the design of the dynamics of engineering systems and reduce future losses to society.  
 
Expertise Highlights: 
 
- 3C Research Ltd.  
- Business Acceleration Centres  
- MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity  
- The Bristol & West of England Consortium for Continuing Professional Development in Aerospace (CPDA)  
- The Bristol Colloid Centre  
- The Bristol Earthquake and Engineering Laboratory Ltd (BEELAB)  
- The Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information  
- The Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinolgy  
- The Interface Analysis Centre (IAC)