First Industrial Fellow at Lloyd’s Register to enhance academic impact in Marine & Offshore industry

As part of the key collaboration between the University of Southampton and Lloyd's Register (LR), SMMI/FSI senior research fellow Dr Yikun Wang is the first Industrial Fellow at LR Global Technology Centre (GTC).

Since March 2017, Dr Wang has worked directly with Materials and Structures Specialists in the Technical Policy Group and Technical Support Office, leading/contributing across a range of internal research projects. Some of these research outcomes have been utilised as the basis for new rule and guidance developments/documents. For example, a technical background study and structural integrity analysis into post-weld heat treatment was one of the research highlights presented at LR main Technical Committee (an annual meeting where Rule amendment proposals are discussed and approved); research into cold-forming and strain ageing effects led to the publication of a new Marine Survey Procedures Manual Guidance Note. These provide the standards for works approval and structural design for all ships, offshore structures and lifting appliances classified by LR worldwide. In addition, a study assessing the Charpy fracture toughness correlation was published and presented at 3rd International Conference on Safety and Reliability of Ships, Offshore & Subsea Structures, benefiting the wider community.  

Dr Wang helps cultivate the working relationship between the University and LR by planning and developing joint activities. This has led to 11 undergraduate and MSc projects with industrial mentoring, five mentorships for Lloyd’s Register Foundation PhDs and industrial presentations at Smallpeice outreach events. Students have benefitted greatly from the joint projects and in response to their interest three internships at LR GTC were initiated and completed.

“It’s been an amazing experience working in both academic and industrial environments,” said Dr Wang. “I’ve learnt a lot and I’m glad that this collaboration has enhanced university research impact on major industrial player and policy maker. This industrial fellowship also opens up more opportunities for students to receive practical insights from an industrial input.”