Since its humble beginnings in 1987, the network of industrial collaborators associated with CTAC Associates began to flourish. This burgeoning network not only provided PhD students with real-world challenges but also granted them invaluable access to data, industrial mentorship, and state-of-the-art testing facilities. These resources were instrumental in allowing students to rigorously evaluate innovative control strategies against the backdrop of contemporary industrial practices.
The eagerness of CTAC Associates to embrace these formidable challenges swiftly carved out an esteemed reputation for the center, known for its adeptness in addressing tangible industrial issues. Over the span of 28 years, leading up to 2015, CTAC Associates had meticulously cultivated a network comprising over 50 UK-based industrial organizations. This period was marked by the transformation of many former CTAC students and researchers into key employees, who eventually ascended to senior positions within these esteemed companies.
The scope of applications tackled by CTAC Associates was impressively diverse, encompassing everything from intricate industrial processes and manufacturing to the dynamic fields of automotive, marine, and aerospace engineering, not to mention the cutting-edge realm of biomedical systems and technologies.
Now, as CTAC Associates transitions into a privately-operated, industry-focused research center, it continues to uphold this rich tradition. The center supports a new generation of students engaged in Engineering Doctorate and PhD programmes, fostering their growth through real-world projects. Moreover, CTAC collaborates with various UK university research teams, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and industrial collaboration remains vibrant and ever-evolving.
