IMPACT centre completed in Swansea

A new state-of-the-art research centre has been completed at the University of Swansea in Wales named the Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing, and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) as a component of the university’s College of Engineering.

Going into more detail, the new IMPACT centre consists of a four-storey development that has been constructed to an ‘Excellent’ standard under the BREEAM criteria and likewise contains an open plan laboratory space, a research office building with 80 single occupancy offices, research hubs, and meeting rooms.

Furthermore, the development was funded by the Welsh Government, Swansea University, and the European Regional Development Fund, with the construction company Kier appointed as the principal contractor.

The Operations Director for Kier Regional Building in Wales, Jason Taylor stated: “We would like to thank the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford AM, for officially opening the IMPACT building at Swansea University. We are extremely proud to have delivered this centre of excellence that provides a first-class learning environment.

“Working collaboratively with Swansea University over the last 18 months, we have engaged with the local community and created jobs and provided training opportunities. We are delighted to have built this fantastic new facility that should have far-reaching benefits for the Swansea area for years to come.”

The Director of IMPACT, Professor Johann Sienz added: “IMPACT, anchored in the regional innovation ecosystem, supports the global engineering economy through collaborative, fundamental and applied research, development and innovation.  Our unique colocation facility means we can offer a transformative research environment for academia-industry partnerships.”

“We are honoured to have the First Minister launch what will be a world-leading operation.  These highly specialised laboratories will bring industry and academia closer together and the funding received from the European Regional Development Fund has greatly contributed to our growth as a leader in our field in the UK and beyond.”

“The distinct research infrastructure and ethos of IMPACT will enable a step change in research and innovation in the College’s already outstanding Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies research groups.  This unique facility will, therefore, help further support Wales as a global destination for innovation in advanced engineering and smart manufacturing.”

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