AWE to partner with University of Surrey in new Centre of Excellence

AWE is entering into a partnership with the University of Surrey, which is launching a new Centre of Excellence in Materials Ageing, Performance and Life Prediction

The University’s long-standing expertise in materials science and engineering and its strengths in advanced characterisation of materials in demanding environments, underpin the partnership.

Professor Norman Godfrey, AWE Deputy Chief Scientist, said: “I am delighted to welcome the Centre of Excellence at the University of Surrey into our strategic outreach portfolio. The development of the centre, whose aims address many of the key factors identified for successful collaboration between university and business, demonstrates AWE’s commitment to longer-term, strategic relationships with key academic partners for mutual benefit.”

Predicting how the performance of materials will change over planned lifetimes of many years has always been a challenge. The creation of the new centre will enable experts from AWE and Surrey to work together to develop novel experimental techniques and enhanced modelling capability to deliver better lifetime assessments.

Director Designate of the centre, Professor Julie Yeomans, added: “This is a very exciting opportunity to build on the strong relationship that has been fostered between AWE and the University of Surrey over decades and create a world-leading Centre of Excellence.

“Not only will this enable us to pursue excellent research, but it will also give opportunities for both AWE and Surrey to expand their networks. At Surrey we are looking forward to welcoming AWE’s partners as well as AWE colleagues on to our campus.”