Business and university join forces to drive clean energy innovation

John Crane, a subsidiary of Smiths Group plc, has begun a multi-year collaboration with the University of Sheffield.

This partnership will span multiple departments, including the Leonardo Centre for Tribology, Thermofluids Group and Materials Engineering, to advance high-performance sealing technologies crucial for the energy transition. 

In the first year, John Crane will fully fund two Phd projects aimed at advancing mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen storage and low-carbon technologies.

These initial projects will be conducted within the Leonardo Centre for Tribology and the Thermofluids Group.

Phd candidates will work with John Crane’s research and development teams, contributing to global sustainability efforts while gaining valuable industry experience.

The partnership is designed to be long-term, with plans to fund additional Phds in subsequent years and engage in collaborative efforts such as contract research projects and short projects for master’s students. 

John Crane says the partnership is a significant step in its mission to accelerate core technology development and new sealing concepts needed for a hydrogen and low-carbon economy, as well as supporting the next generation of engineers at an early stage of their career development.

Professor Koen Lamberts, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “We have a rich engineering heritage and one of our major strengths is research into low-carbon energy technologies to help address the climate emergency.

“A key part of this is the work our academics do with industry, in which they use their world-class research and expertise to address industrial challenges in the transition to net zero.

“We are excited to start this new collaboration with John Crane and for the opportunities it will bring for our academics and students.”

John Crane’s Mike Eason, chief technology officer, added: “Our partnership with Sheffield University is a cornerstone of our open innovation strategy.

“Sheffield’s expertise and commitment to sustainability and diversity provide a fertile ground for collaboration and developing cutting-edge technologies for the energy transition.

“We’re excited to kickstart this partnership and welcome our first Phd student.”