Graham Brown

Profile

I am a technical Manager within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. I lead a diverse team of over 25 technical professionals, delivering specialist support across research, teaching and public engagement activities on a university-wide basis.

I play a key role in Technician development within the faculty, championing fair attribution and improved recognition of diverse contributions made by technical professionals.

My career began as an engineering apprentice at Kirkstall Forge within a heavy engineering industrial sector. Following qualification, I progressed into a CAD/CAM role during a period of significant change in modern manufacturing. I later transitioned into the medical device sector with Depuy International, working as a New Product Introduction Engineer. In this role, I supported the manufacture of bespoke implants and the development of new medical devices for market release, working at the forefront of manufacturing technologies.

Since joining the University of Leeds in 2014, I have progressed through a range of technical roles to my current position as Integrated Services Manager. I continue to apply my strong expertise in design and manufacturing engineering while leading teams and supporting multidisciplinary research. I work closely with academics, researchers, Technicians and students to develop CAD solutions and address complex design and manufacturing challenges.

My core technical competencies include Siemens NX and SolidWorks with additional experience in Fusion 360, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor and Magics.

I believe that strong technical design is grounded in a deep understanding of manufacturing. The ability to apply transferable knowledge across different contexts is essential to delivering robust, effective solutions the support teaching, research and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Integrated services- Efficiencies in technician services- People Management-Manage service provision
• Technician development- T Level delivery- Mechanical/Electronic apprenticeship mentorship
• Financial management- Equipment Identification and Procurement

Research interests

Technical Focus

My technical focus is in manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on applying practical engineering solutions across a diverse university environment. This specialism informs my research interests, which span a broad range of sectors and interdisciplinary applications.

Key Projects and Impact

LeVe Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) System

I contributed to the development of a frugal, non-invasive ventilation device designed for manufacture and use in low-income countries. This project was co-developed with clinical teams in the UK and Mengo hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

My role included:

• Analysing existing equipment to optimise oxygen flow integration
• Designing and manufacturing a novel 3d-printed nozzle
• providing ongoing design support to researchers

I also played a key role in the manufacturing strategy by:

• Identifying components suitable for local sourcing
• supporting the localization of manufacturing processes within Uganda
• Enabling scalable production for wider adoption across low-income countries

In addition, I delivered in-country training for local staff, covering assembly techniques, soldering and 3D printing. I ensured safe effective assembly could be achieved in Uganda with procedures, processes and documention suitable for a medical device system.

Engineering Carnival (Research Culture Project)

I co-lead the Engineering Carnival projects, a research culture initiative aimed at raising the visibility of research technical professionals through civic engagement.

The project involves working with community designers to produce annually carnival costumes showcased at major public events including Leeds Carnival and Light Night Leeds . This work strengthens connections between the University and the local community, while highlighting the contribution of technical staff showcasing their technical skills within research and innovation.

Teaching and Student Support

I actively support a range of undergraduate student projects, including

Leeds University Rocketry Association (LURA)

supporting multidisciplinary teams in the design and manufacture process to launch sub-orbital rockets

Leeds Gryphon Racing (Formula Student)

providing technical support across design and manufacturing, including aerodynamics, powertrain and electronics, within an international competition framework that combines engineering innovation and project management.

Awards

In 2025, At the UK-RAS Steps technical excellence awards evening I won the award for Innovative Teamwork within Robotics in recognition for my role in creating the EPSRC National Facility For Innovative Robotics Systems – a state-of-the-art facility focusing on the design and construction of innovative robotics utilizing a suite of advanced manufacturing equipment.

Research groups and institutes

• Robotics