Steve Rotheram today visited the University of Liverpool to find out about how it is connecting with industry, supporting innovation and tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges.

During his visit, the Metro Mayor was given a tour around two of the University’s flagship projects – the Materials Innovation Factory and the Virtual Engineering Centre – which are at the forefront of industry and academic partnerships. The £68 million Materials Innovation Factory (MIF) is recognised as a leading innovator in the field of advanced manufacturing research with one of the highest-concentrations of materials science automation robotics in Europe.  As part of his tour of the MIF, the Metro Mayor was shown some of the multi-million pound robotic equipment which is key to revolutionising materials chemistry research.

The University’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC) is a UK leader in delivering integrated virtual engineering technology solutions to a range of industrial sectors. Here, the Metro Mayor was shown some of the VEC’s Virtual Reality facilities and he also met with Liverpool company, Briggs Automotive Company Ltd, and Iain Hennessey, Head of Innovations at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, to discuss some of the work they were undertaking with the VEC.

The visit also provided the opportunity for representatives from the University to discuss current and future activities that are being undertaken by researchers and students in the field of digital technologies.

Professor Ken Badcock, Executive Pro Vice Chancellor for the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Metro Mayor for the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, to the University to showcase two of our flagship projects. It was an opportunity to discuss how access to leading edge facilities and expertise based at the University helps businesses innovate,  enables new discoveries and increases the competitiveness of the UK economy.”

Steve Rotheram, added:

“It’s fantastic to see such world-class facilities here in the Liverpool City Region, which are equipping future engineers with the skills local employers need.  Such innovative projects are also helping to align skills training with economic policy priorities and the City Region’s Growth Strategy.”