Overview

The Sterling Group consists of research-led UK universities which share a commitment to international excellence in Engineering research and teaching.  The current membership is 17 institutions.

The Group was founded in 1998 and is largely funded by an annual subscription from its member institutions.  In addition, the Group is recognised and supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Structural Engineers’ Educational Trust.

The Sterling Group seeks to establish channels of communication between its member institutions and like-minded institutions overseas.  Links and collaborations of all types – student, faculty, teaching, research – are actively sought and encouraged between members of The Sterling Group and overseas institutions.

For many years the Group organised annual lecture tours to Malaysia and Singapore.  However, in 2004 the Group extended its activities into India with the first full tour taking place in September followed by annual tours since then.  A first tour to Vietnam took place in May 2008 followed by further tours in September 2009, 2010 and 2011.  India and Vietnam are both on the agenda again for 2012.

Lecture tours typically include senior academics from the member institutions including some who are Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering.  Lectures are given to a range of audiences in schools, colleges and universities.  Tours may include a public lecture, given by a prominent member of the engineering establishment, which is targeted at senior representatives of industry, universities and government.  Meetings are held with representatives of government and the professional engineering institutions.

The Sterling Group works closely with British Council representatives in the countries visited.

The Sterling Group is led by an Executive Committee.  Its administrative office is located in the Newcastle University.

For a brief history of The Sterling Group please click here.