Universities Minister Sees how Hallam Drives Growth
17th July 2015
This morning the Minister of State for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson MP, visited Sheffield Hallam to see how the University is playing a key role in driving economic growth within the region.
The Minister toured new £5.7m laboratories which are the home of the Materials Engineering and Research Institute (MERI) - who work with local, national and international businesses to solve industrial problems, increasing productivity and profit. Researchers at MERI have produced coatings which keep satellites in space for longer, developed photovoltaic gels which provide cheap sustainable energy sources, and used motorsport-style drag analysis on road tankers to significantly reduce fuel consumption. The Minister is visiting Sheffield to deliver a key speech on science and innovation. Minister for Universities and Science Jo Johnson said: "Our universities play a vital role in fostering innovation, productivity and growth. It was a pleasure to learn more about Sheffield Hallam's important work and its contribution to the local community and wider research base." Professor Philip Jones, Vice Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, said -We were pleased to be able to welcome the Minister to Sheffield Hallam and demonstrate how we work with business to drive growth, improve productivity and create jobs. "Innovation and research at our Materials Engineering and Research Institute has delivered an average £260,000 increase in profit for the businesses they work with. These partnerships have helped hundreds of businesses improve productivity. "Whether it be our Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre development attracting major investment from Toshiba, or our new National Centre of Excellence for Food Engineering supporting growth in the food industry. We are demonstrating how innovation and research can greatly accelerate economic growth.
