The Sterling Group is an informal grouping of UK research-led universities with an established track record of internationally recognised excellence in Engineering research and teaching. The current membership is 24 institutions. The Group was founded in the early 1990's and is largely funded by an annual subscription from its member institutions. In addition, the Group is recognised and supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Institution of Structural Engineers.
The Sterling Group seeks to establish channels of communication between its member institutions and like-minded institutions overseas. Since its inception it has organised annual lecture tours to Malaysia and Singapore and, more recently, has expanded its activities into India. In 2008 a first tour to Vietnam is planned.
Lecture tours typically include a principal speaker who is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering supported by senior academics from the member institutions. The main public Sterling Lecture in each location is targeted at senior representatives of industry, universities and government while the supporting party gives presentations to students in local schools, colleges and universities. Meetings are held with government ministers and professional engineering institutions.
Centres visited include Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang and Singapore in S.E. Asia and Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune in India. The Group works closely with the British Council in the countries visited.
The Sterling Group is led by an Executive Committee. Its administrative office is located in Durham University.