Research students to shape the future of construction

Research being undertaken by young scientists at Salford University is proving to be extremely useful in helping to deliver new insights into leading-edge construction issues.

Their work has already delivered improvements to local authorities, housing associations and construction consortia in areas such as social housing and construction bidding within Europe.

The research into vital construction issues is being carried out by graduate researchers from the School of Construction and Property Management at Salford University. They are undertaking the UK’s only Masters Research degree (MRes) in Construction Innovation.

The MRes Programme Director, Dr David Eaton, said: "The other degree programmes, much of the work our students undertake is not simply classroom exercises using pre-existing research.

“Students, guided by experienced researchers, are being given the responsibility of tackling some of the industry’s most vital research issues.

“For example, student research into improvements in the bidding process within Europe are expected to save Bovis Lend Lease and its sub-contractors around 5,000 hours of abortive time each year. Similarly, other research has resulted in initiatives within the social housing programme that are expected to cut at least six months off a typical scheme duration and dramatically improve local input to scheme development.”

Many of the students studying for the MRes degree are set for high level technical and research management positions in the construction industry. The degree also opens the door for those students wishing to pursue a doctorate in research.

Salford’s MRes programme is a sponsored research study programme for innovation and improvement in construction. It is open to students who have completed their first degree or already in employment. It also provides them with industry sponsorship from a number of industrial partners for either one-year full-time or two years part-time.

(MB)