US-based engineering firm AECOM and the University of Salford in Greater Manchester have entered into a new research partnership, with an aim to improve understanding of how major UK infrastructure programmes interact with the natural environment.

The two organisations will jointly fund new environmental research on topics that will be beneficial for all infrastructure projects in the future.

The data gathered during the research could help reduce adverse impacts and improve outcomes for the natural environment on future projects.

"AECOM is proud to be working with the University of Salford on this initiative to increase understanding of the environmental and ecological aspects of infrastructure projects."

AECOM chief executive environment & ground engineering, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa Peter Skinner said: “Shaping research so that it is applicable to specific projects provides students with opportunities to make a tangible difference to both academia and industry through their learning.

“Greater collaboration between universities and the private sector will make an important contribution to mitigating the impact of infrastructure on the environment and protecting the natural world.

“AECOM is proud to be working with the University of Salford on this initiative to increase understanding of the environmental and ecological aspects of infrastructure projects.”

Under the new partnership, AECOM and the University of Salford will research on some of the potential issues for wildlife, predicting disturbance to sensitive species from construction activities, and investigating perceptions of biodiversity within construction.

University of Salford pro vice chancellor for research and enterprise Nigel Mellors said: “This partnership will provide a unique opportunity for both parties.

“It fits into our aim of focusing our research at real life challenges and to deliver real life impact for society.

"It will also give our students the chance to get involved in a live project and help them develop key skills for industry.”

AECOM is delivering environmental consultancy work for the Mersey Gateway Project, a new transport scheme and one of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK. The project includes a new six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey.