Institute for Manufacturing

Institute for Manufacturing (IfM) is part of the Department of Engineering of the University of Cambridge. The IfM integrates research and education with practical application in industry. It disseminates its research findings via a university-owned knowledge transfer company, IfM Engage.

Institute for Manufacturing IfM
Established1998
HeadProfessor Tim Minshall
Location
Alan Reece Building, 17 Charles Babbage Road
,
Cambridge, CB3 0FS
,
UK

52.2096305°N 0.0873964°E / 52.2096305; 0.0873964
AffiliationsDepartment of Engineering, University of Cambridge
WebsiteOfficial Website

Research undertaken at the IFM is done in collaboration with companies, ensuring its relevance to industrial needs and the rapid dissemination of new ideas and approaches. The IfM's education programs combine a thorough grounding in management and manufacturing technology with the chance to put theory into practice via industry-based projects.

Its interest encompasses a broad range of manufacturing activities, from understanding markets and technologies, through the process and product design to production and supply chain operations and through-life services; all within an economics and policy context.

Location

The IfM is located at the Alan Reece building on the university's West Cambridge Site. Previously, the institute occupied the former Cambridge University Press building in Mill Lane before moving to the large, custom building in West Cambridge, in June 2009.[1]

Research

The IfM's research is carried out within 15 main research programs, each concentrating on a particular theme, and covering the full spectrum of technology, management, and policy issues. Research is typically multi-disciplinary, and research projects frequently involve more than one center.

Typically coordinated in collaboration with industry, the research develops practical techniques for companies to improve their strategies, operations, and technologies. the findings are disseminated through courses, conferences, workbooks, and direct services to the industry.

Education

Educational programs are widely valued for the comprehensive grounding they provide in engineering, management, and economic principles. Students benefit from contact with world-class researchers as well as experienced industry professionals. Company-based projects are a significant feature of the program, enabling students to apply what they have learned to real industrial problems.

Undergraduate

Its undergraduate program is known as 'MET' (Manufacturing Engineering Tripos). The course forms the final two years of the University of Cambridge Engineering degree. MET integrates management, business, and interpersonal skills with engineering and manufacturing knowledge and industrial engagement. The program's core is combined with opportunities to put theory into practice via student projects.

Postgraduate

Postgraduate courses are the twelve-month MPhil courses on 'Industrial Systems Manufacture and Management' (ISMM). Students spend more than half the course in companies in the UK or mainland Europe. Participants have modules in various aspects of manufacturing, operations, supply chain, and general business management; as well as four industrial projects in manufacturing processes, marketing, and new business development.

PhD

The IfM also has many Ph.D. students following research degrees covering management, technology, and policy issues.

MRes and Ph.D. in Ultra Precision

The IfM hosts the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Ultra Precision and offers programs in many advanced ultra-precision technologies.

Executive and Professional Development

Developing a range of tailored and open courses based on research at the Institute for Manufacturing.

IfM Engage

IfM Engage Ltd is a university-owned company,[2] embedded within the IfM and responsible for the IfM's knowledge transfer and dissemination activities. IfM Engage involves a team of experienced industry professionals who are an integral part of the institute but who have professional rather than academic expertise. They work closely with IfM research centers to ensure a seamless exchange of ideas between the industry and the university. They engage with companies via a program of education and consultancy services, short courses, and events. Projects range from small-scale operational improvements for local companies[3] to a major business realignment of multi-national corporations, and the public sector[4]

This provides a rapid dissemination route for new ideas and approaches and helps to inform and fund future research. The integration of education, research and service activities within a combined industrial and academic community allow the IfM to bridge the traditional gap between research and industry while providing a rich learning environment for its students.

References
  1. "About | IfM Engage | the University of Cambridge". IfM Engage. Retrieved 1 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. "IfM provides SMEs in the East of England with a £2.25m boost". The Manufacturer. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  3. "High-value manufacturing strategy now published". Technology Strategy Board. Archived from the original on 15 April 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2012.
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