Research
LRET funds 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.
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