Strategy
The short-term research strategy of the Group is to maintain the individual research interests of its members. The medium to long-term strategy is to develop existing strengths and create a centre of international standing in research on structural behaviour under extreme and accidental loading. The principal areas of development will be in understanding the nature of extreme and accidental loading, material performance under extreme loading conditions and whole structural performance. The Group will also seek opportunities in new areas of substantial growth, such as nuclear decommissioning.
The Group enjoys support from a large number of funding bodies and commercial organisations. The Group will maintain the existing relationships and will seek to strengthen them by building strategic alliance and collaborations with the major players. It will continue using its comprehensive range of structural and fire testing facilities to increase commercial testing activities and work with the construction industry to develop training materials (e.g. CPD lectures, design guides) to help the construction industry deliver safe and efficient structures.
The Group will also endeavour to make itself more attractive to sponsored
high quality UK and international research students, maintain its high quality
of postgraduate supervision, and maximise the output of high impact publications.