Cardiff University and Welsh Water have signed a memorandum of understanding for future collaboration and research.
The new partnership will see the university and utility company share services and expertise, boosting the number of directly-funded consultancy projects and research collaborations.
It will also leverage significant external funding via sponsors such as the Ofwat challenge fund, UK Research and Innovation, and Horizon Europe.
There will be potential for secondments, as well as a Cardiff University management skills programme for Welsh Water staff, and Welsh Water projects, placements and internships for Cardiff University students.
Both organisations will appoint a sponsor to drive the partnerships’ goals, and a working group will bring together key research theme leads, communications and talent development.
Cardiff University President and vice-chancellor Prof Colin Riordan said: “The partnership not only strengthens a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, but will encourage future interactions to flourish by streamlining processes and breaking down barriers, providing a platform for greater impact, both in terms of research and the benefits of wider society.”
Peter Perry chief executive of Welsh Water said: “While we’ve already got a long history of working closely with Cardiff University, formalising the partnership reaffirms our commitment to an ambitious and mutually beneficial strategic relationship which aligns with our 2050 vision and wider innovation strategy.”
Mr Perry added: “The agreement will help both us and Cardiff University to reduce internal red tape and shape really high quality research that will help us to be at the forefront of our industries.”
