Nottingham Trent University’s Geotechnical Testing Lab Makes Strides Towards Commercialisation
NTU's Civil Engineering department has embarked on a transformative journey, setting its sights on transitioning into a fully operational commercial facility.
Nottingham Trent University's geotechnical testing lab in the Civil Engineering department has embarked on a transformative journey over the past 18 months, setting its sights on transitioning into a fully operational commercial facility. This ambitious endeavour has been propelled by the Civil Engineering team at NTU, led by Paul Beetham and supported by Robert Evans, David Russhard and Yasameen Al-ameen. They have received invaluable support from SOCOTEC UK and GRM Development Solutions Ltd, underscoring a significant milestone in the university's commitment to excellence in research and industry collaboration.
ADBE have worked on establishing quality assurance (QA) procedures in line with the standards of a UKAS accredited facility. In December, NTU secured a noteworthy £60,000 grant from Research England's regional innovation fund. This injection of funding facilitated the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment and calibration tools, essential to support the lab's testing capabilities to meet industry demands.
The lab then embarked on a proof of concept trial, highlighting its commitment to practical application and student engagement. Under the guidance of Sohaib Naseer, serving as the interim lab manager, a team comprising six civil engineering students from the School of Architecture, Design, and the Built Environment (ADBE) were paid to undertake work as student technicians. Tasked with conducting tests and delivering results upholding the standards set by a role play client, Andrew Brown, these students played a pivotal role in demonstrating the lab's readiness for commercial endeavours.
Our student team underwent a simulated audit, overseen by Luigi Sorrentino. The audit provided invaluable feedback, identifying areas for improvement in the lab's quality manual, paving the way for enhanced operational efficiency and adherence to industry best practices. With the successful completion of the proof-of-concept trial, the lab now stands poised to pursue UKAS accreditation, a significant milestone towards engaging in real commercial ventures. Plans are already in motion to expand the team, with additional student technicians to be employed in the upcoming academic year. Bruce Asiimwe, a Civil Engineering student involved in the initiative, expressed his appreciation, stating, "It has been a great experience for me and has really deepened and widened my knowledge and appreciation of the importance of conducting tests of soil properties. I hope the establishment of the commercial lab comes to fruition, and many students get to engage to gain the wonderful experience I have added to myself."
This initiative not only underscores the university's commitment to fostering practical skills among its students but also highlights the pivotal role it plays in bridging the gap between academia and industry. By providing opportunities for paid work experience in a high-demand industry, Nottingham Trent University is not only enhancing its labs but also empowering its students to excel in their future careers.