University of Liverpool signs deal with North West water giant United Utilities to strengthen ties through new research and innovation partnership. Tony McDonough reports
A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between the University of Liverpool and United Utilities that will see them work together more closely.
This deal will see both parties explore new ways of working together in research, education, and innovation. It will look to take advantage of the university’s expertise, facilities and research.
United Utilities will use it to help tackle challenges facing the water sector, local communities, and the environment.
Potential areas of collaboration include engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation, materials discovery, environmental stewardship, and life sciences.
A distinctive feature of the proposed partnership is the opportunity to put research into practice through the University’s Living Lab, using the campus as a real-world test bed for research, teaching and innovation.
Collaboration with the University’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Sustainable Research will also help focus efforts on developing solutions to pressing sustainability challenges and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
Professor Richard Black, University of Liverpool provost and deputy vice-chancellor, said: “By working together, we aim to identify new opportunities in research, innovation and training to deliver meaningful benefits for the water sector, communities and the environment.”
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Jo Harrison, director of asset management at United Utilities, added: “The University of Liverpool has a wealth of expertise, and this agreement provides an exciting opportunity to combine academic research with real-world application.
“Together, we can explore new ideas, support future talent and deliver meaningful outcomes for the communities we serve.”