Partnerships with the Manufacturing Metrology Team
We work with companies of all sizes, from SMEs to global manufacturers, offering a flexible range of collaborative models.
Our expertise supports partners in solving metrology and inspection challenges across product development, process optimisation and quality control.
Typical project themes include:
- desk-based studies and measurement for scale-up activities
- development of new metrology processes
- improvement of existing processes for accurate and in-process metrology
- feasibility studies (technical, economic and operational)
- comparative studies for quality control and assurance
- high-resolution dimentional measurements
- bespoken systems consultancy and development
Industrial collaboration and partnership models
At the Manufacturing Metrology team, we offer a suite of flexible collaboration paths, tailored to different business needs, project scopes, and timescales. Benefits include access to cutting-edge research expertise and technical equipment, technical meetings, opportunities for IP generation, and access to a pool of metrology trained talents. See below for how we typically partner with industry.
Industrial collaboration paths with the Manufacturing Metrology Team at University of Nottingham 
At a glance:
- Consultancy & measurement services
- Industry-funded or co-funded PhD projects
- Government-funded R&D (KTP/Innovate UK)
- SME Innovation vouchers
- Graduate placements & internships
Consultancy & measurement services
For organisations needing immediate technical support, we provide short- to mid-term consultancy and measurement services. This includes:
- Feasibility and desk-based studies
- Prototype development
- Quality assurance / quality control systems development
- Surface and form measurement services (dedicated page for metrology measurements)
Industry-funded or co-funded PhD projects
For organisations seeking long-term, research-driven innovation, we offer both fully industry-funded and co-funded PhD opportunities with the Manufacturing Metrology Team. These programmes enable companies to shape a bespoke doctoral research project aligned with strategic objectives in advanced manufacturing, metrology, and measurement science.
Co-funding opportunities
There are several schemes that can reduce the cost of sponsoring a PhD, typically covering up to 50% of the total project cost, including:
- Research council studentships
- Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)
- Industrial CASE / matched-funding grants
These options make high-impact, long-term research more cost-effective while maintaining strong industrial engagement throughout the doctoral journey.
Government-funded R&D: KTPs / Innovate UK projects
We partner with industry on government-supported R&D, such as through Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) schemes and funding programmes from organisations like Innovate UK.We contribute technical leadership, grant writing support, and project delivery expertise, ideal for developing novel products and processes, or advancing metrology solutions.
SME Innovation vouchers
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from Innovation vouchers (up to around £5,000) to access our metrology and measurement expertise.This funding can be used for:
- Testing and measurement
- Prototyping
- Process enhancement or optimisation
Graduate placements & internships
We facilitate graduate talent placements and structured internships, including subsidised summer placements, where these are available, to tackle specific industrial challenges whilst developing skilled graduates versed in advanced metrology techniques.
Important to know
Industrial partners typically retain IP ownership for all funded projects.
If you are interested in learning about past projects and collaborations or already have a manufacturing challenge that we could support you tackiling it, please get in touch with Prof Samanta Piano, Head of the Manufacturing Metrology Team, or Paul Rice, Business Engagement Manager.