Institute for Aerospace Technology, University of Nottingham

The Institute for Aerospace Technology, or IAT, is a research centre for aerospace and space at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Specialists from aerospace and space companies and aviation organisations work with its researchers and academics. The institute was established in 2009 with a 10 million pound investment from the European Regional Development Fund, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the University.

IAT says it has over 70 externally funded projects worth more than 75 million pounds. It describes a team of about 400 researchers, scientists and engineers. Its work aims at smarter, greener and faster aircraft.

Its research falls into six key areas: aerospace manufacturing, aerospace materials and structures, aerospace operations, whole aircraft, space, and future propulsion and systems. Its base is the Aerospace Technology Centre in Nottingham.

IAT works with large aviation companies, including Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems, Bombardier and GKN. It also works with small and medium-sized companies. It carries out technology and knowledge transfer, and it welcomes links with new companies and new areas of work with current partners.

The institute points to strong growth in the industry. It says around 27,000 new aircraft are expected by 2030, and that the UK already has the world's second largest aerospace sector. It names UK government pledges and European programmes such as Clean Sky and Horizon 2020 as part of the funding picture.

The institute's stated vision is to keep the University of Nottingham among the top universities engaged in aerospace research. Its mission is to bring together, develop and promote the university's aerospace research and to deliver results that matter to its partners. IAT also runs events, such as the Cryogenic Fuel Systems Conference 2026, and offers study routes in aerospace.

Services

• Aerospace manufacturing research
• Aerospace materials and structures research
• Aerospace operations research
• Whole aircraft research
• Space research
• Future propulsion and systems research
• Technology and knowledge transfer
• Aerospace study
• Industry partnerships
• Conferences and events