Composite Material Research

The Institute is a place where you can access knowledge, funding, expertise and technology to help you to research, develop products and processes, and drive innovation in your business.

We recognise that companies who want to innovate, and those who can do so with sustainability in mind, are more likely to grow. We want to work with companies who have this ambition. Working with industrial partners and supported by Rolls Royce, Toyota and Bombardier, we achieve cutting-edge solutions to challenges SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are facing.

With its origins traced back to the Roman times, Derbyhas been the home of world's first fully mechanised factory. John Lombe's silk-throwing mill was built on an island in the River Derwen and was completed in 1772.

Ram is the symbol and mascot of the city of Derby. Why? Because of an old folk song called "The Derby Ram".