The National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF), is an initiative in which 17 wind tunnels distributed across 12 UK universities (host institutions) are made open access (for up to 25% of time) to external researchers in the UK and abroad, from both university and industry based.
NWTF is intended to be as inclusive as possible while still supporting the best science. The scheme was announced on 9 January 2014 by David Willetts, Minister for Science and Universities. The total initial funding for the facility was ã13.3 million, ã10.7 million coming from EPSRC and ã2.6 million from the UK Aerospace Technology Institute.
The EPSRC and ATI decided to fund the NWTF in order to match the UK talent base to world-class wind tunnel facilities. The enhanced UK capability in experimental aerodynamics is available to all UK-based researchers. The stated aim was to create nodes of excellence attracting young researchers. Another aim was to establish a closer tie with industry, creating a pull-through environment and an intended spill-over of the collaboration and benefits to other sectors.
The initial NWTF programme had a duration of five years, ending in 2018. , this was most recently renewed in 2023.
the NWTF consists of the following facilities:
The NWTF has a management board that meets quarterly, and an advisory board that meets twice a year. The advisory board is composed of representatives from EPSRC, ATI, senior academics (from the UK and abroad), user representatives, an existing national facility manager and a wind tunnel manager.