University celebrates collaboration with engineering giant
05/11/2012 Siemens Industry Automation & Drive Technologies
The University of Sheffield has been named as one of Siemens' principal partner universities. This prestigious status is in recognition of the collaborative relationship between the global company and the University in the development of the award-winning School of Engineering.Siemens Metal Technologies is already working with the University to engage in an engineering faculty wide project called the Global Engineering Challenge, which will run over spring 2013. 300 second year engineering undergraduates will spend a week on a "Grand Challenge" project set by Siemens Industry as part of its drive to up skill the local graduate engineering community.
This builds on Siemens Metal Technologies providing advice on taught materials, as well as assisting with procuring and integrating equipment for the planned Sheffield University Technical College which will specialise in advanced engineering and manufacturing.
In 2009, the Siemens Wind Power Research Centre was established between the University and Siemens Wind Power. The goal has been to develop the most reliable, innovative and efficient wind turbine generators that will be at the forefront of future onshore and offshore wind power systems.
A special reception at Siemens Crystal in London was held to celebrate and formally recognise the University's longstanding collaboration to develop future generations of graduates and foster research and innovation.
Newcastle, Lincoln, Loughborough and Oxford Universities were also recognised as principal partners at the event, with Manchester and Cambridge Universities awarded global ambassador status in recognition of the wide ranging research collaborations across business sectors and also their efforts to engage graduate talent with Siemens.
Siemens' university partnering programme represents another major part of its commitment to the UK skills agenda. Collaboration ranges from joint research programmes to development of new qualifications to meet future demands, to providing industry placements as an integral part of education programmes.
Jon Stewart Site Director at Siemens Metal Technologies and President of the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce said: "We are delighted the University of Sheffield has been awarded principal partner University status. Sheffield as a city has a strong and proud manufacturing heritage, and we are committed to investing in the skills and research that will ensure it will be at the heart of the regional and national economic recovery."
"It is also true to the say the University is and will continue to be a key source of engineering talent, their engineering graduates will be at the forefront of the UK's efforts to rebalance the economy toward high end manufacturing and production."
Toby Peyton-Jones, HR Director for Siemens plc and North West Europe, added: "At Siemens we know that it is engineers who will shape the future of the world we live in and find solutions for the world's most pressing problems. Currently there just are not enough of them to meet the demands of not only Siemens but other companies as well. By actively focusing on a number of core universities we believe we can maximise the opportunities for strategic industry-led collaboration."
For more information, visit www.industry.siemens.co.uk.
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