The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC) and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Illinois), will focus on joint research and teaching expertise, opportunities for student placements and projects, and promote staff development.
This alliance builds on an initial connection formed in 2022 when Teesside was among two UK universities invited to a significant global carbon capture and storage (CCUS) conference, also attended by Illinois.
Illinois' Prairie Research Institute (PRI), renowned for its work in CCUS, continues to push boundaries in critical research areas such as sustainable energy, pollution prevention, climate change, and more.
The Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC), a division of PRI, works to provide technical assistance to communities, industry, and government agencies to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce waste to protect human health and the environment.
A delegation from Illinois has visited Teesside University on several occasions and heard how Teesside would be a learning site for the world in terms of large-scale CCUS and ‘green’ and ‘blue’ hydrogen production.
They returned earlier this month to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding at Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC).
The NZIIC, based at Middlesbrough’s Teesside Advanced Manufacturing Park, opened last year and is playing a key role in the delivery of the UK’s net zero ambitions.
It is also spearheading the University’s commitment to achieving net zero status by 2030.
The NZIIC is helping to initiate change to address the climate emergency through industry partnerships, skills development, research and innovation.
Research is embedded in our culture, and we have been amazed by the work which is being undertaken at Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.
Speaking about the new partnership with Illinois, Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “Our University has embarked on an ambitious journey of transformation, with a global reach and strategic partnerships across the world.
“We work with like-minded colleagues on a global scale to devise solutions to the wide range of issues that are affecting the world and society.
“We are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Illinois. Our missions are aligned and there are significant possibilities in terms of what we can achieve together.”
Professor Susan Martinis, Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Illinois, added: “We are a flagship university with a long-standing interest in sustainability.
“Research is embedded in our culture, and we have been amazed by the work which is being undertaken at Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre.
“It is an incredibly exciting time for both institutions and there is so much opportunity to combine our expertise and achieve great things together.”
Dr Gari Harris, Director of the NZIIC, said: “For Teesside University to be working so closely with one of the world leaders in CCUS, with strong links to the US Department of Energy, will open doors and enhance NZIIC’s reputation internationally.
“Developing research activity with Illinois will demonstrate international impact and demonstrate our expertise and ambition on a global scale.”
We invite businesses to join forces with the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre on this transformative journey. Together, we will accelerate innovation, shape sustainable practices, and forge a path toward net zero emissions. Let's create a legacy that resonates locally and inspires globally.
*The Net Zero project is receiving up to £8.85m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
