Sector: Engineering
Sir James Dyson has named Newcastle as one of two universities that are helping his company develop new technologies. The other university is Cambridge. The two universities were mentioned in his contribution to a 2010 report entitled ‘Ingenious Britain’.
Sir James wrote that: “Britain has historically led the world in scientific knowledge – most of it generated in universities.” He firmly believes that the knowledge from university ‘blue skies’ research can eventually result in new applications and great products.
Dyson Ltd has taken the decision to permanently locate some of its R&D staff at Newcastle University’s Centre for Advanced Electric Drives, together with postgraduate students who are sponsored by Dyson.
The formal link between Dyson and Newcastle University was initially for five years and has now been extended for another three years. Informal links are strengthened by the fact that at least seven graduates from the University, of whom five hold PhDs, have been recruited by Dyson.
The research focus of the Dyson employees and sponsored students at Newcastle University is on new motor and drives technologies. Sir James Dyson describes them as “the most advanced in the world”. The technologies will eventually be applicable to Dyson’s well-known domestic appliances.
Professor Barrie Mecrow of Newcastle University comments: “There can be few deeper ways to engage with a company than to have their employees co-located in our research labs. And as new products containing the novel technologies are launched, it will be very clear that demonstrable benefits to the economy have been delivered.”
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