Over the years, as a university-based research center, CTAC Associates had the privilege of overseeing approximately 100 research programmes, the vast majority of which were enriched by some form of collaboration with industry partners. These applications were incredibly diverse, ranging from the optimization of industrial process control to refining manufacturing processes. CTAC Associates also delved into the development of control algorithms for various sectors, including automotive, marine, and aerospace. Notable examples include adaptive cruise control systems, dynamic ship positioning technologies, and sophisticated aircraft braking systems. Additionally, the center ventured into the biomedical field, focusing on control and optimization techniques in oncology, cardiology, and diabetes management.
From the inception of its first two PhD students in 1988 to around 2020, when the last two part-time PhD candidates, who started in 2014, completed their theses, CTAC Associates has seen well over 80 successful PhD completions. This academic journey was complemented by approximately 10 Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programmes, each spanning 2-3 years, and a similar number of industrial research internships lasting between 1 to 2 years. These initiatives not only fostered innovation but also bridged the gap between academic research and practical industrial application.
Now, as CTAC Associates transitions into a private, industry-focused research center, it continues to forge ahead with its mission. The center collaborates with UK university research teams, ensuring that the academic rigor and industrial relevance of its research remain at the forefront. Moreover, CTAC Associates provides robust support for students engaged in Engineering Doctorate and PhD programmes, nurturing the next generation of researchers and innovators in control systems and beyond.
