Professor Clara Frias

Professor Clara Frias, Head of the Composite Centre reflects on the collective achievements of all colleagues in the Advanced Manufacturing Group, and how she hopes to see more women exploring various pathways at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

Clara stands in front of a machine sewing metal strands
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Professor Clara Frias, Head of the Composite Centre at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), Advanced Manufacturing Group.

Clara’s passion for composite structures and materials began when she was placed with a composites team in Portugal whilst undertaking her PhD. Following her PhD, Clara went on to run research and development programmes on structural health monitoring for composites.  

Wanting to be more exposed to the composites industry, Clara moved to the UK to take on a role working with European Programmes. This role focussed on collaborative research and development and enabled Clara to continue with her academic research.

Now as Head of the Composite Centre, and one of the first female Head of Group within the AMRC, Clara oversees the running of the Centre with a focus on strategy, operation, capability and technology.

Clara reflects on the collective achievements of all colleagues in the Advanced Manufacturing Group and how she hopes to see more women exploring various pathways at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre:

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and Advanced Manufacturing Group and to have seen the work and impact of so many colleagues over the years. 

“When you look at the work of the Advanced Manufacturing Group, the impact of the collaborative, research and development projects (CR&D projects) we’re involved with and lead on with industrial partners is clear to see. One of the projects we’ve worked on was included in the Research Excellence Framework, which was wonderful to read about.

“In 2019, I became the Head of the Composites Centre at AMRC and since then I’ve always tried to lead in a way that focuses on people and ensures they are at the forefront of everything we do. I want colleagues to feel they have a voice and know that we care about what they have to share.” 

“I’m really proud to be on the path I’m currently on and I hope by sharing my journey it opens up avenues for more women within the AMRC. Most importantly for me though, I don’t want to be unique in this role, I want to be one of many and I am hopeful we will see more women exploring this path in coming years.” 

Thank you to all the women for taking the time to share their stories and reflections and for providing the information featured on these web pages.