Business and industry

Our research expertise has generated close links with commerce, industry and the professions, and we have an excellent record of attracting external research funding.

Major pharmaceutical companies such as Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, UCB and GlaxoSmithKline are sponsoring research in the molecular life sciences to develop new drugs and improve drug safety.

Consumer goods companies Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser are working with our Polymer Centre scientists to improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of their household and personal care products.

As well as working with existing companies, we also create 'spin out' companies to exploit the commercial benefits of our research. Over the last five years the University has created more than 40 new companies, many of these have gone on to form partnerships with industry to enable their further development.

One of the faculty's main priorities is to build upon partnerships between academic departments and the commercial sector, helping businesses to access the specialist knowledge, facilities and skills they need to develop.

What we can offer:

• Research solutions to industry problems - consultancy and collaborative research
• Facilities - state-of-the-art equipment and technical support for external use
• Employ our graduates - graduate recruitment, industrial placements and student projects
• Training - we offer a range of CPD courses and bespoke development sessions

Our Office of Corporate Partnerships acts as gateway into the University. Business support staff, with expertise in a particular industry sector, are available for businesses to contact to discuss their needs, and to put them in contact with academic colleagues who can assist them.