After the merger between UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester in 2004, the School of Materials has become the largest academic Materials focus in Europe. Within the School is the important Department of Textiles and Paper, which promotes research on textile technology, technical textiles, textile design, and conservation. Technical textiles in particular are a vital part of the Textile & Paper research portfolio where cutting edge technology and performance materials are developed for such diverse industries as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, filtration, geotextiles, construction, sportwear and personal protection.
In order to extend our support for these areas, in which Britain continues to excel, The Clothworkers' Company has developed links with Textiles & Paper at Manchester, similar to those already established with The University of Leeds.
The Company has purchased a jig-dyeing machine and a forensic microscope spectrophotometer for the Department in order to promote teaching & research, a comprehensive range of books on technical textiles for the library, as well as funding postgraduate student bursaries in technical textiles, which are awarded by the University. We have also made a grant towards the refurbishment of the Textiles Gallery at the Whitworth Art Gallery, another part of the University.