Academic research work in nonwovens is conducted by The Nonwovens Research Group (NRG) at the University of Leeds. The NRG was formed in 1995 by Prof. Stephen J. Russell. Both fundamental and applied research is conducted on the formation, structure and properties of nonwoven fabrics, which involves the development of process-structure-property relationships and modelling of nonwoven materials. The NRG directs a large PhD research programme and also contributes to professional education in nonwovens for industry. The NRG has multi-disciplinary collaborations with other University Departments and research organisations across the globe.

In 2005 NIRI was spun-out of the NRG by the University of Leeds to manage the growing portfolio of confidential industrial projects, product development initiatives and technology transfer projects working in partnership with the global nonwovens industry supply chain.

Learn more about NRG research here.