Government invests in Southampton photonics centre
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As part of a £70million government investment in state of the art UK manufacturing research centres, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has announced that one of the first investments will be at the University of Southampton.
Mandelson (pictured) described the new Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) centres are designed to 'assist UK businesses in developing the technology products of the future' and help 'underpin the country's manufacturing growth'.
The Southampton centre will focus on photonics, while other centres at the universities of Loughborough and Brunel will concentrate on regenerative medicine and liquid metals.
The University of Southampton's vice chancellor, Prof Don Nutbeam, said that UK universities conduct much of the research that underpins innovation in this country. He noted: "This innovation, and its translation into practical outcomes, strengthens the ability of UK industry to compete globally. The University of Southampton has an excellent track record for working successfully with industry, and developing sustainable partnerships across a wide range of sectors."
The centre will work with industry to develop the next generation of fibre materials and technology platforms, train a new generation of engineers and fuel growth in photonics related manufacturing.
Investment from EPSRC in the centre will total £4.7m over a five year period starting in March 2010. Thirteen industrial partners will contribute a further £4.6m.
Professor Nutbeam added: "The technology that drives the internet was developed here at Southampton. Every time you use a mobile phone or an ATM you are again using technology developed at Southampton. But these innovations didn't happen overnight. It took long term commitment and funding from the EPSRC and other funding agencies for the university-based research that led to this transforming technology. Sustained investment in university research, together with the enterprise culture that is evident at the University of Southampton, can deliver substantial economic returns."
Announcing the launch of the centres, Lord Mandelson said: "A highly skilled, innovative manufacturing sector will be a vital part of Britain's future economic growth. The £70m funding I'm announcing today will see universities and businesses working together to pull through academic research to commercial products. With more investment to bring these two sectors together we can strengthen our future innovation and growth."
