8 May 2026, NIM Global Research Network launched at IDRIC Annual Conference 2026 in Manchester, UK
The transformation of energy-intensive industries towards climate neutrality is increasingly recognised as a global challenge that requires coordinated action, shared knowledge, and long-term international cooperation. Industrial decarbonisation pathways depend not only on technological innovation, but also on the ability to connect research ecosystems, align policy frameworks, and accelerate the transfer of solutions into industrial practice.
Against this backdrop, the NIM – Net-Zero Industries Mission Global Research Network was officially launched during the 2026 Annual Conference of the Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC UK) in Manchester. The conference, held under the theme “Delivering industrial decarbonisation for growth and resilience”, provided a dedicated platform for exchanging perspectives on how industrial systems can be transformed to support climate objectives while maintaining competitiveness and resilience.
The launch of the network marks an important step in strengthening international collaboration on industrial decarbonisation research and innovation. It brings together leading organisations from research, industry, and innovation policy with the shared objective of accelerating the development, demonstration, and deployment of net-zero solutions for energy-intensive sectors.
The kick-off workshop convened representatives from industry, research institutions, and public organisations to discuss priority areas for collaboration and to identify mechanisms for strengthening cross-border cooperation. Discussions focused in particular on the need to better connect existing research infrastructures, enhance access to experimental and demonstration facilities, and improve coordination between scientific research, industrial application, and policy development.
A central outcome of the exchange was the recognition that international partnerships are becoming an increasingly important driver for innovation in industrial decarbonisation. By enabling knowledge exchange across regions and sectors, such collaborations can help reduce fragmentation in research efforts and accelerate the scaling of climate-neutral technologies.
Founding partners of the NIM – Net-Zero Industries Mission Global Research Network include NEFI – New Energy for Industry (Austria), Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC UK), Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC, Australia).
Through this partnership, the network aims to provide a structured framework for long-term collaboration, supporting joint research activities, coordinated demonstration initiatives, and improved knowledge exchange across participating regions. In doing so, it contributes to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem for industrial decarbonisation and supports the broader transition towards a climate-neutral and competitive industrial base.
The discussions in Manchester underlined a shared understanding among participants: achieving net-zero industry will require not only national strategies, but also sustained international cooperation and integrated innovation ecosystems capable of delivering solutions at scale. The launch of the NIM Global Research Network represents a step towards that ambition, reinforcing the role of collaborative research and innovation as a key enabler of industrial transformation.
Photo © IDRIC UK
Follow us on LinkedIn for ongoing updates, project insights, and global decarbonisation highlights.