Cranfield University

Cranfield University's aim is to be a leading national, European and international institution for the generation, dissemination and application of knowledge in selected areas of engineering, applied science, manufacturing, management and medical science, to both the civil and the defence sectors. Its mission is to create and transform world-class technology, management and science into viable, practical, environmentally desirable solutions that enhance economic development and the quality of life. The specific mission of the Royal Military College of Science is to provide education and training in Science, Engineering and Management for all three Services and the Civil Service with the aim of enhancing the operational effectiveness (fighting power) of the Nation's Armed Forces.

Within The Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Cranfield University as academic provider to The Royal Military College of Science is to provide Education, Research and Consultancy in Science, Engineering and Management for all 3 Services, the Civil Service and for Industry both in the UK and overseas. The Royal Military College of Science integrates the resources of the MoD and Cranfield University to deliver education in science, engineering and management as applied to defence. Cranfield University is contracted to take the lead in the provision of the academic input, and awards its degrees for successful study. Serving officers from the Armed Forces take the lead in demonstrating its practical application. To maintain the highest academic standards and to make optimum use of resources Cranfield University staff conduct activities, additional to the contract, including extensive course, research and conference programmes. The advantages of such a partnership between the Military and Cranfield University is that it ensures a flexible source of staff from the National Academic community; there is an active, commercially viable, research programme; and that the teaming agreement ensures a rapid response to new developments.

In terms of the leverage of funding in the area of teaching, to every £1 from the HEFCE, Cranfield University adds £4.35 and in the area of research to every £1 from the HEFCE, Cranfield University adds £4.34. 83% of Cranfield's income is from sources other than the Funding Council.

Cranfield has over 700 Academic and research staff, focused on engineering, applied science, medical science and management. These are concentrated in centres of excellence. Cranfield works with over 1,500 organisations each year to apply knowledge gained for benefit. The application of knowledge is the key to the university's teaching and research ethos. As a result, Cranfield has extensive practical facilities - (e.g. airfield and operational aircraft, engine test cells, water treatment plant, large-scale laboratory facilities). Cranfield requires staff to remain in close touch with industry, commerce and government (e.g. in aviation activities those approved by CAA and MoD). The Cranfield Technology park provides additional links with industry where Cranfield spin-out companies and tenants are based.