Formerly known as The Institute for International Research in Glass (IIRG), launched in June 1998. National Glass Centre Research is focused on the research and development of creative glass at a national and international level.
This research involves the creation of new artworks in glass, techniques and approaches to creative glass making, models of practice in terms of methods and content for glass, and contextual and historical information on glass. Much of our work is developed from the perspective of creative practitioners. The establishment of residencies, master classes and workshops, and the curation of exhibitions accompanied by publications also form important strands of National Glass Centre Research's agenda. To support this we have impressive research facilities based in the University of Sunderland's Glass and Ceramics Department's studios at the National Glass Centre, which is situated on the banks of the River Wear, Sunderland, UK. Our substantial range of equipment includes a CAD waterjet cutter (EU funded), a large Kiln / research workshop (SRIF II), Print Studio (SRIF III), with supporting staff. In 2011 we launched the Ceramics Arts Research Centre University of Sunderland (CARCuos) to support the development of ceramics research alongside National Glass Centre Research. Combined, National Glass Centre Research and CARCuos host some 30 research students from around the world studying PhD and MPhil degrees.
Aims of National Glass Centre Research
