Commercial services
The University has a number of industry-facing units, which have been specifically set up to offer academic knowledge and services to companies. These include, among others:
The Bristol Colloid Centre (BCC)
The BCC works closely with the Chemistry Department, providing solutions to the formulation and processing problems of companies worldwide. It was set up to transfer fundamental colloid science into commercially viable technology. It works with a wide variety of industries and technologies ranging from biomedicine and agrochemicals to printing inks and oil recovery.
The Bristol Earthquake and Engineering Laboratory Ltd (BEELAB)
BEELAB is a unit which draws on the expertise of the Earthquake Engineering Research Centre and the Civil Engineering Department, and commercialises their technical skills and resources to solve complex problems in earthquake engineering and structural dynamics.
The Interface Analysis Centre (IAC)
The IAC offers extensive problem solving, analysis, and consulting services, including surface analysis, failure analysis and electron microscopy. It excels in process development and engineering for a wide range of thin film and bulk materials: alloys, semiconductors, ceramics, composites, glasses, and polymers. It even supports analysis and development of electronic components, such as printed circuit boards.
The Bristol & West of England Consortium for Continuing Professional Development in Aerospace (CPDA)
Formerly known as the Aerospace Integrated Graduate Development Scheme (IGDS), the CPDA is a national professional development scheme aimed at graduates with substantial industrial experience. It was established as a flexible part-time postgraduate scheme in 1991 by the Bristol Consortium. The Bristol Consortium consists of the University of the West of England, Bristol and the University of Bristol, which act in partnership with over 65 Aerospace organisations.