The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of Surrey have signed an agreement to collaborate on the delivery of a GBP10m programme to translate the results of research into innovation that makes a real-world difference. The collaboration is supported by a GBP4m Knowledge Transfer Account (KTA) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) with an additional GBP6m funding from industrial partners and the University of Surrey.
The joint Surrey/NPL team will focus on three specific areas of technology, each with the potential to create transformational benefits for the UK economy and society. The areas are:
- Communications and Signal Processing - Including advances in mobile communications and internet connectivity.
- Next Generation Materials and Characterisation - With applications in automotive, aerospace and the growing sector of space and satellite engineering.
- Nanotechnology and Photonics - Covering the latest in high speed optical communications and the next phase of miniaturisation in the semiconductor industry.
Professor Christopher Snowden, Vice Chancellor of the University of Surrey, said: "We are absolutely delighted. This award affirms Surrey's track record as a leading University for innovation and commercialisation. The KTA represents a fantastic opportunity to expand the already successful partnerships developed by the University and most importantly it will be of great benefit in helping create business opportunities in these difficult times. Surrey developed the laser diode that is used in CD and DVD players world wide and NPL has also had a fantastic track record of transferring technology to industry. This major award will enable Surrey and NPL to work together to create more opportunities of this kind."
Dr. Brian Bowsher, MD of NPL, said: "NPL is delighted to have this opportunity to continue our work with the University of Surrey. The knowledge transfer programme is the latest in a series of joint activities initiated under our Memorandum of Understanding with Surrey and affords us the chance to demonstrate real impact from EPRSC funded research into the UK economy. Over the past ten years we have developed knowledge transfer processes and tools as part of the National Measurement Office-sponsored National Measurement System. We will work with Surrey to tailor our approach to deliver maximum benefit to the KTA stakeholders."
Notes to editors
This is the first in a series of planned steps to build a vibrant, innovative economic community based on the Knowledge Transfer expertise of the University of Surrey and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and their key industrial and commercial partners. Future plans include increasing support and facilities needed by high tech start up companies, expanding the already strong expertise in Surrey's Satellite and Space Engineering facilities and new innovations for the Health and Medical sector.
The KTA will start on 01 October 2009. Over its three year duration Surrey's EPSRC-funded research will drive increased engagement with industrial users and accelerate the exploitation of new technology. In addition NPL has developed well proven systems that will enable EPSRC and Surrey to monitor the impact and value the programme is delivering to the UK.
This prestigious knowledge transfer deal will bring together NPL's world-class expertise in generating precise time signals which can then be used at the core of new satellite systems such as Galileo. The University of Surrey is intimately involved with this project, which aims to generate a new generation of exceedingly accurate, extremely reliable position and tracking systems.
In the field of photonics and nanotechnology, Dr David Cox from Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute, is generating a range of ultra miniature nanotechnology devices capable of sensing a single molecule with potential uses including 'sniffer' sensors to detect explosives or drugs.
About the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 140 companies employing 2,700 staff.
The Sunday Times names Surrey as 'The University for Jobs' which underlines the university's growing reputation for providing high quality, relevant degrees.
About NPL
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is one of the UK's leading science and research facilities. It is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate standards, science and technology available.
NPL occupies a unique position as the UK's National Measurement Institute and sits at the intersection between scientific discovery and real world application. Its expertise and original research have underpinned quality of life, innovation and competitiveness for UK citizens and business for more than a century:
NPL provides companies with access to world-leading support and technical expertise, inspiring the absolute confidence required to realise competitive advantage from new materials, techniques and technologies;
NPL expertise and services are crucial in a wide range of social applications - helping to save lives, protect the environment and enable citizens to feel safe and secure. Support in areas such as the development of advanced medical treatments and environmental monitoring helps secure a better quality of life for all;
NPL develops and maintains the nation's primary measurement standards, supporting an infrastructure of traceable measurement throughout the UK and the world, to ensure accuracy and consistency.