Michelmersh and The University of Manchester launch partnership to advance lower-carbon brick manufacturing
Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC and The University of Manchester are collaborating through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) to advance the research and technical capability supporting lower-carbon clay brick manufacturing.
This latest initiative builds on Michelmersh’s track record of driving change in the sector, having previously delivered HyBrick, the world’s first green hydrogen-brick firing trial in collaboration with industry, academic, and government partners. As the construction industry continues moving towards net zero, this new KTP will play a key role in the eventual transition away from fossil-derived fuels and toward the development of lower carbon manufacturing materials and methods.
“Decarbonising high-temperature manufacturing is complex, and meaningful progress depends on combining leading research with practical industrial experience. This partnership brings together The University of Manchester’s academic expertise and Michelmersh’s deep manufacturing knowledge to explore robust, scalable ways to reduce carbon while protecting the quality, performance and character of our products. Building on the success of HyBrick, it represents another important step in turning ambitious ideas into practical change for our business and the wider brick sector.”
— Sarah Le Gresley, Group Innovation and Sustainability Director, Michelmersh
The project will support Michelmersh’s ambition to accelerate decarbonisation across its manufacturing operations, developing the knowledge, tools and technical capability needed to evaluate and introduce alternatives to body fuels. Identifying viable lower-carbon alternatives that maintain product quality, process stability and offer supply resilience is essential to the brick industry’s long-term competitiveness in an increasingly sustainability focused construction market. This KTP marks the next step on Michelmersh’s decarbonisation roadmap and reinforces its position as a leader in both sustainability and innovation within the brick sector. Alongside the technical outcomes, the partnership will support the professional and leadership development of the KTP associate, allowing them to apply academic research in a real-world industrial setting.
The project team includes Dr May (Meini) Su, Professor Cise Unluer and Dr Amanda Lea-Langton from the Department of Civil Engineering and Management, Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester, alongside Sarah Le Gresley and Neil McLeod from Michelmersh’s Innovation and Sustainability departments. The team will work closely with James Young from Innovate UK to deliver the collaboration.
“What excites me most about this KTP is the opportunity to tackle a real industrial challenge with a genuinely multidisciplinary team. By combining Michelmersh’s expertise in brick manufacturing with our team’s knowledge on low-carbon construction materials, biomass and sustainable energy, we can explore innovative ways to use alternative fuel to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of brick production. I’m looking forward to turning this combined expertise into a practical, scalable solution for a more sustainable brick industry.”
— Dr May Su, Reader in Structural Engineering, Departmental Head of Research (CEM), Construction Academic Lead.
The Department of Civil Engineering and Management (CEM) is one of seven departments within the University’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, combining technical civil engineering expertise with the management, social responsibility and policy skills needed to deliver global impact. With over 60 academic staff, the group is supporting innovation and driving inclusive economic growth by integrating cutting-edge research with real-world industry collaboration.
The University of Manchester is ranked 35th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026, and first globally for its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings. The University is home to research centres including the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, providing an internationally recognised base for interdisciplinary research into materials science, energy storage and sustainable construction. Its new engineering campus brings together state-of-the-art laboratories and pilot-scale facilities, supporting close collaboration between materials scientists, civil engineers and energy researchers.
The partnership is now recruiting a KTP Associate. In line with KTP comms toolkit guidelines, Co-funded by Michelmersh and Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, the role offers a unique opportunity to deliver meaningful industrial and environmental impact, while building technical leadership, project management and innovation delivery experience. Learn more about the role and submit your application here.
