Partnership with the Aero Engine Corporation of China

The University of Manchester has launched a major new collaboration with the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), working through one of its subsidiaries, the Beijing Institute for Aeronautical Materials (BIAM).

BIAM is an internationally recognised research institute engaged in the development and manufacturing of advanced aeronautical materials. The collaboration underlines The University of Manchester’s status as a world-leading institution in the development, processing, testing and characterisation of advanced materials.

On 10 July, Professor Martin Schröder, Vice President and Dean of Science of Engineering, was delighted to receive a senior AECC delegation to commemorate the launch of two new research centres to be based here in Manchester:

• The BIAM-University of Manchester Graphene Aerospace Materials Centre will focus on the use of graphene in aerospace materials, including composites and ceramics for aero engines, with Professor Ping Xiao of the Department of Materials as director on behalf of the University;

• The BIAM-University of Manchester Technology Centre will focus on the development, processing, testing and characterisation of advanced materials for aero engine applications. Prof Xiaorong Zhou of the Department of Materials will become the director on behalf of the University.

To mark the establishment of the two Centres, commemorative plaques were unveiled at an event attended by Mr Sunan Jiang, Minister Counsellor for Science and Technology (Chinese Embassy, London) and representatives from the Chinese Consulate in Manchester.

Speaking at the event, Professor Schröder said, "I’m delighted with the establishment of this partnership and I have every confidence it will be a success.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for leading researchers on both sides to work collaboratively on key challenges, and we can also expect to see high impact research as a result.

“The partnership further consolidates our engagement with Chinese industry, particularly in the fields of aerospace engineering and advanced materials, and it is testament to the University’s expertise and reputation in these areas.”

Commenting after the event, Professor Xiaorong Zhou said, “I’m delighted to see the establishment of the BIAM-University of Manchester Technology Centre, which will be a world-leading centre for advanced aeronautical materials research.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the leading researchers in The University of Manchester and BIAM to tackle some of greatest challenges facing the development and fabrication of advanced aeronautical materials and the manufacturing of aero engines.

“We can look forward to a fruitful collaboration and I am confident that the BIAM-University of Manchester Technology Centre will be a success story.”