- The University of Sheffield has launched a new collaboration with John Crane, a global leader in rotating equipment solutions and energy transition technologies and services, to advance high performance sealing technologies that are crucial for the transition to low-carbon and clean energy
- John Crane is set to fund two fully funded PhD projects at Sheffield to advance mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen storage and low-carbon technologies
- Sheffield PhD students will work closely with John Crane’s research and development teams, contributing to global sustainability efforts while gaining valuable industry experience
The University of Sheffield has launched a new partnership with John Crane, a global leader in rotating equipment solutions and energy transition technologies and services, to help advance high performance sealing technologies that are crucial for the transition to low-carbon and clean energy.
In the first year of the collaboration, John Crane will fund two fully funded PhD projects at Sheffield aimed at advancing mechanical seals for high-pressure hydrogen storage and low-carbon technologies. These initial projects will be conducted within the University’s Leonardo Centre for Tribology and the Thermofluids Group. The PhD candidates will work closely 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 various collaborative efforts such as contract research projects and short projects for master’s students.
John Crane specialises in developing advanced sealing solutions for the clean energy transition. Their expertise in rotating equipment solutions and energy transition technologies positions them at the forefront of innovation. This partnership with the University of Sheffield is a significant step in the organisation’s mission to enhance the durability and efficiency of sealing solutions, crucial for hydrogen and low-carbon storage technologies.
The PhD opportunities are available to candidates with backgrounds in engineering, materials science, physics and related fields. As part of the partnership, John Crane will provide funding, industry expertise and access to state-of-the-art facilities at its research centre in Manchester and manufacturing site in Slough. The University of Sheffield will offer academic support and a collaborative research environment. The collaboration reinforces John Crane’s commitment to advancing technologies that support clean energy and nurturing the next generation of engineers.
Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: "At the University of Sheffield 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."
Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, said: “John Crane's partnership with the University of Sheffield 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.”
