About the Centre of Excellence in Energetic Materials (CoEEM)

Energetic materials, (explosives, propellants, pyrotechnics, gas generators) represent a vitally important class of functional materials that have widespread use in both military and civil applications. From the strategic nuclear deterrent to unsophisticated improvised explosives, the technology employed is as wide-ranging as is the need for Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) and infrastructure to support the research, development, and manufacture of energetic materials (EM).
Centre of Excellence in Energetic Materials (CoEEM) is a government and MOD-led initiative, through Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) in collaboration with other government bodies to pull together and champion this essential national capability.
Drawing upon UK-wide organisations, facilities, and academic centres to deliver its mission, CoEEM is administered by Cranfield University at its secure site at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Oxfordshire.

CoEEM’s mission to provide essential national capability has two overarching aims:

1. Technical leadership for the EM community:

CoEEM acts as a catalyst in promoting world-leading excellence by building networks to facilitate exchange of innovative ideas and identifying key areas of focus.

2. Rebuilding depth of expertise and, therefore, critical mass in this area of national significance:

Operating as a collaboratory, CoEEM will work with the wider EM community with the common aim of building essential capability in:

  • People
  • Research and development
  • Test and evaluation
  • Training and education
  • Knowledge exchange

Underpinning these aims is life-long career support to researchers and engineers across the EM community with a robust programme of career development, training and education.

In addition, CoEEM provides a forum for building networks and knowledge sharing as well as access to an efficient and effective use of existing specialised facilities and associated resources. In support of its aims, CoEEM is proud supporter of the International Explosives Conference – addressing fundamental science that underpin explosives and other energetic materials.

View CoEEM structure


Join us and register to become a member

If you work for a UK organisation, please apply to become a member.

Register