News: Mexico looking to replicate AMRC

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing in Rotherham could be replicated in Mexico after the university signed an agreement with Mexico's National Council of Science and Technology (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología or CONACYT).

The aim is to develop industrial research and enable students from both the UK and Mexico to benefit from the close ties between the two organisations. The agreement was signed during a trip by a delegation of UK business men and Vice-Chancellors from six UK universities, led by Deputy Prime-Minister Nick Clegg.

The University of Sheffield's renowned expertise in the field of engineering research and industrial collaboration was a key factor in the strategic partnership, which will see the two organisations working together to help develop Mexico's regional and national industries.

The AMRC was a particular source of inspiration for the agreement, as both parties identified the AMRC as a model of collaboration that could be adopted for the Centre for Engineering and Industrial Development in Mexico (Centro de Ingeniería y Desarrollo Industrial or CIDESI).

Professor Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "We are delighted to build on our long-standing agreement with CONACYT for student sponsorship with this new strategic partnership. The University of Sheffield has become a market leader in Mexico through the close links we have established at highest the levels in CONACYT.

"This new link specifically being established with CIDESI and the AMRC will combine innovative industry with cutting-edge academic thinking, greatly enriching the ties between Sheffield and Mexico. In addition to joint research, this agreement will lead to a flow of postgraduate students from both the UK and Mexico who will benefit from our close relationship."

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham, The AMRC is a £100m collaboration among more than 40 partner organisations, comprising world leaders in the aerospace supply chain, key government offices and international academic institutions.

The AMRC model has been replicated in Denmark, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and India.

AMRC website

Images: shef.ac.uk