Research
This category of support aims to use 40% of the LRET's funds. We
fund existing or new 'centres of excellence' at universities or
other academic institutes that can undertake fundamental
transportation, science, engineering or technology research
programmes over a period of, typically, five years. The results of
the research must benefit the public and be freely available - this
is a crucial part of all LRET-funded research programmes. We are
not able to fund individual researchers.
The LRET receives and assesses applications but is also
proactive, suggesting fields of study and identifying those
institutions with the expertise and resources to undertake what can
be very complex and wide-ranging work. Funded centres can be
anywhere in the world and are encouraged to contact and liaise with
each other, particularly where they are working within the same
industry.
Purpose
To fund scientific, engineering and technology research
programmes in international industries, particularly
transportation, undertaken by academic institutions. The results of
all research to be made public for the benefit of all.
Scope: worldwide.
Duration: most programmes are initially funded for
four/five years.
Examples of our funding
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
The LRET
funds a Chair in Offshore Engineering at the National University of
Singapore. The Chair initiates and leads research and teaching
within the Centre for Offshore Research and Engineering (CORE)
hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering. While focussing on
offshore engineering and in particular innovative systems for
exploration and production of oil and gas, the programme of work
includes the study of gas technologies, marine operations and
systems integrity. In addition, the agreement includes the delivery
of an annual public lecture.
SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, KOREA
Seoul
National University (SNU) was the first university in Korea to
receive funding from the LRET. A number of universities were
invited to put forward maritime research proposals which were
assessed by a panel of senior representatives from the Korean
shipping industry. SNU's presentation was judged to be the most
impressive and relevant and a five-year programme is being funded
by the LRET with the focus on hydroelasticity. SNU liaises with the
University of Southampton (see page 12) to ensure work is
complementary and duplication avoided.
DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, THE
NETHERLANDS
The LRET co-funds a Chair in Railway
Engineering at Delft University of Technology. The research
programme focuses on maximizing the availability and safety of the
rail infrastructure, including the design and construction of
structures that require low maintenance, and the rational
management and maintenance of all types of rail infrastructure. The
educational programme gives attention to the other provisions that
are indispensable for optimal rail transport - the supply of
electricity and the safety systems for different types of rail
transport.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON, UK
In June 2003, Lloyd's Register agreed to fund a maritime University
Technology Centre at the University of Southampton (UoS). On its
establishment, the LRET took over this agreement which makes UoS
the LRET's original research centre. The agreement, initially for
fiveyears, has been extended to 2010. The centre specialises in the
research of hydrodynamics, hydroelasticity and the mechanics of
composites.
How to apply for LRET support funding
Organisations that meet the Lloyd's Register Educational Trust's
objectives and funding criteria and wish to apply for support,
should contact Michael Franklin for an initial discussion.
Lloyd's Register Educational Trust
Registered charity no. 1111853
71 Fenchurch Street
London
EC3M 4BS, UK
Tel +44 (0)20 7709 9166
Email lret@lr.org
Director: Michael Franklin