Mike Maddock, managing director of Sheffield based engineering design company, PES Performance Ltd, has been appointed as a Visiting Professor by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sheffield University.
Professor Maddock’s appointment builds upon his active involvement in the region’s Science and Innovation Board (SIB), that works to influence the strategic direction of the Sheffield City Region (SCR) to support growth and economic impact in areas that depend on science led innovation.
He also supports the university by sitting on the EPSRC IAA Steering Group, and his business assists 3rd year Mechanical Engineering students with their group engineering challenge projects.
Mike comments. “I am very pleased to have been asked to be a visiting professor with the Department of Mechanical Engineering. From my work with the Science and Innovation Board, and the EEF advisory board I know how important it is for business and academia to work collaboratively, in order to leverage opportunity for innovation and growth within the region, nationally and internationally.
“During my professorship I aim to further strengthen these complimentary relationships between business and academia, so that SMEs can benefit from collaborations with the university and industry. I am also keen to help the students understand the opportunities and challenges of the commercial world.”
Mike is co-owner, with Dan Fleetcroft, of Performance Engineered Solutions Ltd based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP). The business creates real time solutions for their clients and collaborative partners. Amongst their activities, they support clients to turn new concepts into a reality through research and development, or by helping clients to optimise the development of their existing products or processes.
PES operates in multiple sectors, including aerospace, green energy, automotive and performance sport to name a few. Mike and the PES team are currently working on several government funded R&D projects in collaboration with the University and industrial partners.
As Visiting Professor, Mike continue with his current roles and will also deliver keynote lectures to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, sharing his experiences and supporting the next generation of problem-solvers, leaders and innovators in their development.
Professor John Haycock, Faculty Director of Research & Innovation for the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to the Faculty of Engineering and look forward to learning from his insight and experience during his time here as Visiting Professor.
“His breadth of industry knowledge as well as his work to promote science and innovation in the Sheffield City Region will be an asset to the Department and for the ongoing development of our students.”
Mike is also an active board member of the, Yorkshire and Humber, EEF Regional Advisory Board (RAB). As a board member Mike and the board, provide an important channel for two-way communication between EEF and its members.
Board members act as ambassadors and advocates for EEF, working alongside EEF to improve the image of manufacturing, and to create a favourable environment for manufacturing, at a local, regional, national and EU level with policy makers, the media and other influencer groups.
