What we do

• Engineering
• Healthcare and Clinical Medicine
• Business and Finance
• Natural Sciences
• Computing and Technology
• Environment, Energy and Transport
• Project Management
• Info for Consultants @ Imperial College

Consulting from the academic perspective

“I was first approached to work as a consultant because I was known in my field of research. It just grew from there really.” explains Dr Martinez-Botas of how he got involved in consultancy.

His research area covers turbocharger aerodynamics and turbine heat transfer, working within the sustainable energy area of the thermofluids division. He is often approached by companies who require his expertise to make their engines more sustainable and efficient.

His consultancy work falls into three types – consulting for an industrial company, long-term consulting for a company who need him to be on-call for his advice, and one-off assessments of new inventions. 

His most recent work has involved advising a major construction equipment manufacturer on fitting turbocharger devices into their engines. Martinez-Botas provided the tools and data they needed to pick the right turbocharger for their engines. He’s also worked with Mitsubishi, studying the inherently unsteady flow of a turbocharger.

Because of his experience and research, Ricardo is often sent inventions to assess and evaluate. He involves his PhD students in these projects, expanding their knowledge of real-life applications for their research. “I can also use some of the inventions in lectures to show my students why perpetual motion is a myth!” He laughs.

It’s not always easy to combine consultancy work and research. Fixed staff and facility resources combined with tight deadlines can mean it’s a challenge. But the benefits outweigh the challenges, giving variety to your work and creating new contacts. “Research is often about long-term gains, what’s happening in a few years.“ Ricardo enthuses. “Consultancy is more immediate, and it’s great to see a company following your advice!”

Ricardo advises academics thinking about working as consultants: “It’s to do with interest. It’s so exciting to take your research to an area where you can make a difference. And of course, financially it makes basic sense!”