Shell and Imperial

For decades, Imperial College London and Shell have maintained a strategic partnership, demonstrating a successful model for how major industries can work with a world-class university. This is not a simple funding relationship; it is a true collaboration to address complex, real-world challenges. 

Originating from the establishment of the University Technology Centre (UTC) for fuels and lubricants, the partnership has involved dozens of academics from both Shell and Imperial across more than 30 years of collaboration, with hundreds of PhD students and researchers involved in projects spanning novel materials applications through to emerging fuels and energy networks.

More recently this includes facilitating the establishment of specialised research Centres, such as the Shell-Imperial Advanced Interfacial Materials Science (AIMS) Centre – made possible through a UKRI-backed Prosperity Partnership. These Centres act as focal points for deep, sustained research, allowing for a more efficient and impactful exploration of complex issues like materials behaviour and friction reduction. 

Enhanced through deep involvement with Imperial's Enterprise Division, new areas of development for the partnership include supporting Shell’s energy transition, with research on carbon capture and storage (CCS) in carbonate reservoirs among the latest initiatives established within the partnership. Evolving the organisation’s understanding of AI applications has led to new projects, and a new funded PhD studentship on the use of statistical and machine learning techniques on data from Shell's network of electric vehicle charging stations, highlight the agility to pivot towards digital and sustainable energy solutions.  

The close working relationship, supported by dedicated professionals in the Enterprise Division, ensures that research is not just theoretical but is directly applicable to industry challenges. It provides a model for how companies can access cutting-edge research, nurture future talent, and drive innovation in a structured and effective way.