The Institute for Creative Leather Technologies is a globally-​unique research centre based at The University of Northampton. The ICLT engages in cross-disciplinary research that responds to the scientific and technological needs of the leather, fashion and footwear industries.

Research into newer leather production techniques and its applications opens the doors to endless benefits to the world. Medical and technological applications are of particular use when forming cross-curricular partnerships, taking the leather work into the heart of engineering, media and fashion.

Current research includes:

Taking leather to extremes of thinness, lightness and grip, as well as fire, cut and impact resistance for high-added-value applications including sports, performance, automotive, aircraft, personal protective equipment and fashion

Bespoke fashion and design research and product development combining expertise from the arts, sciences and technology
    
Applied collagen research for medical, environmental and lifestyle product development