The partnership builds on GQM's fast growing strength and international networks with renewable and energy industries, infrastructure developers, government and research organisations. GQM operates one of the world’s largest fleets of integrated geotechnical site investigation vessels, as well as an office and onshore laboratory in the heart of Bristol that provides comprehensive engineering services. The partnership forms part of GQM's strategic growth and expansion plan that involves £1.9M (2024) investment in testing equipment and development in the Bristol laboratory.
The partnership synergises the research strength and excellence of the Earthquake and Geotechnical Engineering Research Group in the School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering in the areas of advanced experimental geomechanics, geotechnical and structural dynamics, and wind engineering.
The two organisations agree to launch multiple programmes to achieve strategic goals in research, people and talent, and growth. Co-funded PhD studentships will be established to address emerging research and practice challenges. The first PhD project will focus on advanced laboratory and field characterisation of ‘problematic’ geomaterials encountered in offshore renewable developments in Europe and America.
GQM will contribute substantially towards advanced testing equipment and developments in the Geomechanics Laboratory of the University of Bristol. Both parties have also agreed to share laboratory equipment and space to create and transfer new knowledge, innovation and impact. Collaboration will be extended to develop and innovate geotechnical testing facilities to address emerging research and commercial testing needs, involving leading equipment supplier and manufacturer GDS Instruments.
The partnership also aims to nurture talent and facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge transfer to help improve the understanding of offshore geotechnical engineering among academics and professionals. The University of Bristol will provide tailored training and professional development programmes to GQM’s engineers and technicians, building on the University’s teaching units in geotechnical and offshore engineering, as well as its well-established training schemes and networks for technical staff.
Head of the School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering Professor Ian Craddock commented on the positive value of strategic relationships with industry, which powerfully inform the University’s own teaching and research decisions. This partnership aligns with the Faculty of Science and Engineering's research priorities in energy, environment and infrastructure.
GQM's Member of Executive Committe, Head of Engineering, Mr Chris Brandish-Lowe, highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in maintaining the company’s competitive edge. He noted that the partnership with The University of Bristol aligns well with GQM’s mission to provide high-quality engineering services on a global scale.
Academic lead of the partnership, Lecturer in Geotechnical Testing, Dr Tingfa Liu commented that the partnership steers significant momentum and synergies to address emerging challenges in offshore site characterisation at local, southwest England and global scales for renewable energy developments. Industrial lead of the partnership, GQM’s research and development engineer and University of Bristol alumnus, Mr Mingnan Li said "It is great to see the two local world-class organisations are linked in a strategic collaboration framework. I am very excited to work with the University to develop new, innovative methods and technologies for offshore geotechnical engineering." He also pointed out the environmental benefits of the local partnership, emphasising its role in contributing to low carbon targets.
