Durham University Expands Engagement with North East Manufacturing Through AMF
The Advanced Manufacturing Forum (AMF) is pleased to welcome Durham University to its growing network, with two key areas of the university — Durham University Business School and the Department of Engineering — becoming members of the AMF community under the wider Durham University banner.
The new collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening links between industry and academia, helping manufacturing and engineering businesses across the North East access innovation, leadership development, skills support and applied research.
While joining from different areas of the university, the combined involvement of both the Business School and Department of Engineering brings a powerful mix of commercial, leadership and technical expertise into the AMF network.
Durham University Business School brings strengths in areas including finance, entrepreneurship, strategy, governance and organisational resilience, supporting businesses as they navigate growth, investment and increasing commercial complexity.
Meanwhile, the Department of Engineering is internationally recognised for its teaching, research and collaboration with industry, particularly in areas including engineering innovation, energy systems and sustainability — all increasingly important to the future of advanced manufacturing.
Together, the partnership gives AMF members access to world-class academic capability alongside practical, industry-focused collaboration designed to address real business challenges.
Durham University is already actively engaging with the AMF community through hosted events, knowledge sharing and collaboration around Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) — the UKRI-funded programme that enables businesses to embed specialist expertise while working closely with university academics.
The collaboration also supports AMF’s wider objectives around diversity, leadership and talent development, including support for the AMF WOMEN – Women of Manufacturing & Engineering initiative through events hosted on campus.
At a time when manufacturers are navigating skills shortages, productivity pressures, sustainability demands and rapid technological change, stronger connections between industry and academia have never been more important.
AMF looks forward to working closely with Durham University Business School and the Department of Engineering to create meaningful opportunities for members and help strengthen innovation, capability and competitiveness across the manufacturing and engineering community.
