RKE Festival Day 5 - Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing

The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector is evolving at pace. Changes are driven by digital transformation, sustainability challenges, new materials, automation and changing workforce needs. For businesses operating in this space, staying competitive depends on strong collaboration between industry, researchers and educators.

Join us at the University’s Engineering Innovation Centre in Preston to connect with peers, hear insights from industry and academic leaders, and explore how universities and businesses can work together to address shared challenges and unlock new opportunities.

About the RKE Festival

The RKE Festival runs across 5 days: Monday 18th to Friday 22nd May 2026. There are over 65 events taking place and all are free of charge.

Our programme includes:

• Themed events for a particular industrial sector

• General events on research and knowledge exchange

• Exhibitions – drop in at a time that suits you

• Media – podcasts and short online films

The festival is open to the general public, businesses, and university staff and students.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Info: FOR BUSINESSES:

The Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector is evolving at pace, driven by digital transformation, sustainability challenges, new materials, automation and changing workforce needs. For businesses operating in this space, staying competitive increasingly depends on strong collaboration between industry, researchers and educators.

This business breakfast, delivered as part of the Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival, will bring together organisations from across the engineering and manufacturing ecosystem to explore the role collaboration can play in accelerating innovation, developing future skills and supporting sector growth.

The morning will encourage open discussion around the changing needs of the sector, from digital manufacturing and product innovation to workforce development and supply chain resilience.

Info: FOR ALL:

Posters, Experiments, Art & Ideas Come Alive
Dive into a whirlwind of creativity at this year’s Research Showcase. Explore everything from eye catching posters and short research films to sculpture, fashion, digital art, and science experiments. This interactive event invites colleagues from across the university to discover research in surprising formats, spark new ideas, and connect with the inspiring researchers behind the work.
Drop in anytime 09:00 - 15:00

Info: FOR ALL:

This photo exhibition highlights the amazing research going on across the University, with colleagues and students showcasing the essence, complexity, impact, and excitement of their research and knowledge exchange activity through compelling images. Enjoy one last chance to see the full exhibition, including our Research and Knowledge Exchange Competition winners!

Drop in any time between 09:00 and 14:00 to see the fantastic images and learn a little more about the work we do at the University of Lancashire!

Info: FOR ALL:

Join us for an exclusive guided tour of the Engineering and Innovation Centre and discover how the university is working with businesses to accelerate innovation, research, and technological development.

Designed for industry partners, businesses, and organisations interested in collaboration, this tour will showcase the facilities, expertise, and capabilities available to support innovation, product development, and research partnerships.

Visitors will explore a range of specialist laboratories and research environments, gaining insight into the technologies and expertise available within the Engineering and Innovation Centre. These facilities support industry collaboration across areas including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, space research, simulation technologies, human augmentation, composites, and drone innovation.

Info: FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND STAFF:

Hear from Professor Silvia Dalla, recipient of a large Science and Technologies Facilities Council grant, on how she successfully secured the funding.

Project name: " Explaining circumsolar Solar Energetic Particle events "

Insights will include:
• How the collaboration and partnerships were secured.
• The development of the proposal
• The operating of the contract
• The subject matter of the research/ activity

Info: FOR ALL:

This live demonstration features our ABB robot. Attendees will observe the complete software toolchain, from a digital 3D model to a finished, precision-milled component, while gaining insight into the system’s technical capabilities, performance parameters, and ongoing research objectives. The session will also outline current investigations into sustainable feedstocks, advanced fabrication strategies, and hybrid manufacturing workflows. Participants can explore opportunities for collaboration with our research team to develop new applications, evaluate innovative materials, and contribute to the advancement of large-scale additive manufacturing.

This session is designed to engage colleagues across design, architecture, aerospace, motorsports, energy, and related fields who may benefit from exploring new fabrication strategies or experimental manufacturing approaches. We also welcome companies seeking to understand the relevance of robotic 3D printing to their operations.

Info: FOR ALL:

The Sun, our nearest star, has the power to do good in our lives, but it also has the power to wreak havoc. In this session we hear about both.

Info: FOR ALL: Unlocking Innovation Through Collaboration with the Doctoral Training Centre. Lunch included.
In 2022, the University established its Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) to enhance research innovation and deepen collaboration with industry partners. Today, the DTC supports a thriving community of more than 50 PhD researchers working across a diverse range of specialist disciplines.

This informal lunchtime event is designed to introduce organisations to the opportunities available through the DTC. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with current students, who will be presenting their research through a poster exhibition, highlighting the breadth and relevance of their work to industry challenges.
Hear from our DTC Director, who will outline the strategic advantages of partnering with the DTC, explain the engagement process, and demonstrate how hosting a PhD researcher can provide a cost effective, high value route to innovation within your organisation.

Info: FOR ALL:

Join us to celebrate the end of the festival and find out who has won the Dragons' Den and the poster competitions! This will be followed by a closing plenary session.

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Host or Publisher University of Central Lancashire