The University of Nottingham has strengthened its partnership with ITP Aero UK to enable closer engagement with world-class academic expertise to develop solutions for a wide range of complex aerospace engineering and manufacturing challenges.
This new long-term industrial–academic partnership will enable closer engagement with world-class academic expertise to help ITP Aero address a wide range of complex aerospace engineering and manufacturing challenges. For the University of Nottingham, this partnership provides students with valuable opportunities to gain hands-on industry experience, ensuring a sustainable and mutually beneficial link between academia and industry.
The partnership will build on an existing relationship between the University of Nottingham and ITP Aero UK that has enabled collaboration across a number of UK and European-funded research and technology programmes. ITP Aero UK has also supported the University's Institute for Aerospace Technology Summer Placement initiative and sponsored students to take part in its Year in Industry scheme, helping to develop a strong pipeline of engineering talent within the region.
A recent joint Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) project to deliver a laser beam welding solution was highly commended in their 2025 Aerospace Technology & Innovation Awards. The LADDER (Laser Automation and Design Development for future Engine Requirements) project is a highly innovative approach compared to traditional joining methods for sheet metals. The use of automation increases the impact of this solution, enabling speed, precision, and automation capability.
To support the next step in the partnership, a Framework Agreement has been established between ITP Aero UK and the University of Nottingham. This agreement streamlines and accelerates the development of joint activities, including research, collaborations, service agreements and studentship programmes, strengthening our shared commitment to innovation and knowledge exchange.
Professor Chris Bennett, Director of the University of Nottingham's Institute for Aerospace Technology commented; "We are delighted to be strengthening our relationship across research and the talent pipeline with ITP Aero UK. This agreement will allow us to work more effectively together across a range of activities and signals our intention to build on our existing endeavours and grow the partnership in the future
Dr Rob Mitchell, Engineering Director – ITP Aero UK and Installations Operating Unit said: "We have worked with the University of Nottingham for many years and have seen first-hand the expertise they bring. This collaboration will simplify how we work together and strengthen our position as a major employer in the region by attracting university talent and building our engineering capability for the future. I look forward to seeing the progress we make together."
