University of Liverpool and United Utilities strengthen ties through new research and innovation partnership

The University of Liverpool and United Utilities have signed an agreement to explore new ways of working together in research, education, and innovation.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding  (MoU) that will look at how the University’s expertise, facilities and research can support United Utilities' priorities and 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, the Living Lab will provide a platform to explore and test new approaches.

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 Goals (SDGs).

The MoU was signed at an event hosted at the University’s Materials Innovation Factory.

Professor Richard Black, University of Liverpool Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to formalise and further develop our relationship with United Utilities through this MoU. 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.”

Jo Harrison,  Director of Asset Management at United Utilities said: "Partnerships like this are vital in helping us develop cutting-edge scientific evidence and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the water industry and our ability to enable the national growth agenda.

“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."