After more than two decades of unwavering dedication, the AMRC’s director of industrial digitalisation, Professor Rab Scott, is stepping down at the end of June, leaving behind a legacy forged since the centre's inception 24 years ago.

Prof Scott joined the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) when it was founded with a handful of engineers in a single building in 2001. 

From those early days, Prof Scott has helped shape the AMRC's evolution into a global leader for manufacturing innovation, playing a pivotal role in diversifying its original capabilities beyond machining to include composites, integrated manufacturing, assembly and digital technologies.

His career at the AMRC advanced from IT and web development to virtual reality, modelling and simulation and ultimately, broader digital technologies and connectivity, as he progressed to become professor of industrial digitalisation at the University of Sheffield and spearheading the delivery of the AMRC's own digital transformation to embed a digital thread throughout all its work.

Reflecting on his journey, Prof Scott said: “It has been a remarkable 24 years.  Seeing the AMRC grow from eight people to where we are today gives me so much pride. It’s an understatement to say I’ve enjoyed my time here.

“The national and international recognition – whether it’s the Bhattacharyya Award or the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education, or the two Boeing Supplier of the Year awards – is a testament to our excellence, hard work and impact, and it has been incredible to be a part of this story.”

Beyond accolades, he cherishes the unique opportunities he’s had during his time at the AMRC, including meeting Queen Elizabeth II, collaborating with the Science Museum on the development of the Technicians: the David Sainsbury Gallery starring AMRC Training Centre apprentices, and travelling the globe to promote UK manufacturing.

“These are opportunities I wouldn't have had elsewhere,” said Prof Scott.

A particularly proud moment for him was coordinating the delivery of training  for the UK Ventilator Challenge during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“I remember driving down a deserted motorway with 80 HoloLens mixed reality headsets - worth almost 15 times more than the value of my car -  that enabled the Ventilator Challenge to be delivered,” he recalls. This journey down the M1 was to distribute the reconfigured HoloLenses – used for training engineers assembling medical devices – to various UK assembly sites such as Oxford, Luton, London and AMRC Cymru in Broughton.

Prof Scott also notes the critical roles the AMRC’s founders, and those who followed, have played in its success. "We are standing on the shoulders of giants. I'm so grateful to the University of Sheffield and to Professor Keith Ridgway in the early days for taking a chance on me. After all, I'm not an engineer. I have a background as a geologist." 

He was recognised in The Manufacturer Top 100 2024 as a ‘sector activist’ for his significant contributions to promoting collaboration and improving work within the advanced manufacturing industry.

Looking ahead, Prof Scott added: "The AMRC has become an exemplar of how industry, academia and government can work together. And the upcoming opportunities for the AMRC are absolutely massive – not only across South Yorkshire, Wales and Lancashire but also on national and international levels." 

He believes it's time for the next generation to take the baton and helping new starters understand the history, legacy and impact of the AMRC has been part of Prof Scott’s role,  highlighting the organisation's profound impact on the region and showing the transformation of the barren Orgreave coking site into the thriving home of the AMRC.

"From the AMRC Training Centre developing a pipeline of skilled talent, to global players establishing roots beside us, and the 3,500 homes at Waverley, we've shaped the heart of advanced manufacturing – a legacy I'm incredibly proud of,” said Prof Scott.

“But our most significant impact lies with the next generation, and nothing fills me with more pride than the AMRC Training Centre and the futures we're shaping there.”

Prof Scott shared a final thought on what he calls the  AMRC's ‘true strength’, saying: "The technology is all very well, but it's the amazing people that have made us what we are. My message to the team is simple: don't stop being amazing."

Prof Scott's 24 years at the AMRC have been instrumental in shaping its identity, driving its growth and championing collaborative research and innovation. While stepping down from his current role, Prof Scott will remain connected as a visiting professor at the AMRC.

Ben Morgan, AMRC interim CEO, said: "On behalf of the University of Sheffield and the AMRC community, I want to thank Prof Rab Scott for his immense dedication, passion and leadership over the past two decades. 

“Over the years, Rab has been a significant role model and mentor for many, earning deep respect throughout the industry. He was a true leader whose contributions not only shaped the AMRC, but the very landscape of advanced manufacturing. 

“His vision, hard work and legacy of innovation and collaboration will undoubtedly continue to inspire the AMRC for generations. We wish him the very best for the future."