New DigitalMetal Centre at University of Leicester to Boost UK Metals Industry with AI and Data Skills
The University of Leicester has announced the launch of an £18 million ($23m) Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Digital Transformation of Metals Industry (DigitalMetal), aimed at transforming the UK metals sector using AI and data-driven technologies. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has contributed £7 million ($8.9m) in funding, alongside partner universities Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick, and 35 industrial partners.
The centre is part of the UK’s largest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills, totalling over £1 billion ($1.28bn), announced by Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan.
DigitalMetal CDT will focus on postgraduate training that combines metals and alloy engineering with digital technology and AI skills to help revolutionise manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and enhance the competitiveness of the UK metals industry.
The initiative aims to equip the next generation of industry leaders with the expertise needed to leverage ‘big data’, digital twinning, and defect-free manufacturing technologies, contributing to economic growth and sustainable supply chains.
Industry Importance
The metals industry plays a crucial role in the UK’s manufacturing economy, directly contributing £20 billion to GDP and underpinning over £190 billion of manufacturing GDP across sectors including construction, aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, and medical technologies.
Leadership Insights
Professor Hongbiao Dong FREng from the School of Engineering and Director of the Centre, said:
Without a new cadre of leaders in digital technologies, equipped to transform discoveries and breakthroughs in metals and manufacturing into products, the UK risks losing out to better-prepared global competitors.
DigitalMetal CDT is timely, leveraging smart digital technologies and scientific advances to propel the UK metals sector into Industry 4.0, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.
Professor Sarah Davies, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, added:
The DigitalMetal CDT will nurture future metals and manufacturing researchers with a critical blend of experimental, computational, and business skills, supporting innovation and economic growth.
National Endorsement
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of EPSRC, stated:
The Centres for Doctoral Training will prepare the next generation of experts to tackle large-scale challenges, fostering research excellence and supporting the UK’s future prosperity.
Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan emphasised:
By investing in critical technologies like artificial intelligence and supporting world-class universities, we are equipping UK talent to pioneer new discoveries, create jobs, and grow the economy.
