QinetiQ Structures and Materials Centre

QinetiQ is one of Europe’s largest science and technology organisations with approximately 9,000 employees and sales of over £800 million per annum, and was formed in 1995 when the principal non-nuclear research elements of the MoD were combined into a single government-owned agency, DERA. DERA’s pioneering research and development includes the invention of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), carbon fibre, flat-panel speakers, infra-red sensors, microwave radar, Chobham armour and shaped charges. As a part of its remit DERA was tasked with establishing dual-use technology centres, where technology developed for defence applications could be transferred to civil markets through partnerships with commercial enterprises. The purpose of these partnerships is to create wealth, to make government sponsored research become more cost-effective by ensuring spin-off, and to improve UK industrial competitiveness. In July 2001 DERA changed its name to QinetiQ – pronounced "Kinetic" – in a highly publicised rebranding exercise when it formally entered the private sector.

QinetiQ’s Structures and Materials Centre (SMC) at Cody Technology Park in Farnborough was launched in 1994 as the first of its dual-use technology centres. It currently represents one of the world’s foremost materials science and technology organisations, and with over 650 professionally qualified scientists and engineers, is generally considered to be the focus for advanced materials research in the UK. The Structures and Materials Centre’s Griffith Building was completed in 1997 at a cost of £70 million, and covers an area of around 30,000 square metres. This purpose-built complex houses 3 large test halls for metal working, polymer processing and materials testing, together with some 150 individual laboratories, 35 meeting and conference rooms and other specialist test and evaluation facilities, which are all ISO 9001 accredited.

CMT has a teaming agreement with QinetiQ under which it has access to QinetiQ’s extensive research facilities and technical resources.