News
- Titlee2v centre for electronic imaging opens at Brunel University
- Date15 March 2005
University and industry collaboration welcomed by Sir Digby Jones
Uxbridge, 15 March 2005 - CBI Director General, Sir Digby Jones, gave the keynote speech today at the official launch of the e2v centre for electronic imaging (CEI), commending the centre for addressing critical science skills shortages in the UK. The CEI is a new research collaboration between Brunel University and e2v technologies. Based at the University's Uxbridge campus, it will concentrate on transforming R&D activity into new electronic imaging technology and identifying new applications for existing e2v imaging technology, as well as developing products for new markets.
The centre builds on e2v's success as a leader in the design and supply of CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensors for space, astronomy, scientific, medical, defence and industrial applications. It reinforces the well-established relationship between e2v and Brunel University.
Sir Digby Jones commented: 'The CBI has called on the Government to act more strategically to improve science, technology and innovation in the UK. To focus attention purely on the science base and basic research would be to miss the true prize. Emphasis must be placed equally on boosting the UK's innovative capacity, as it is commercial exploitation that creates the real opportunity for wealth creation. Addressing science skills shortages and facilitating collaboration between business and Universities is of crucial importance here. I therefore fully support the launch of the e2v centre for electronic imaging.'
According to Professor Andrew Holland, Director of the e2v centre for electronic imaging, 'e2v's leading technology position requires world-class technologists, but it has become increasingly difficult for the Company to secure bright young people with the necessary skills to support continued business growth. e2v has taken a highly proactive approach in staying at the forefront of this technology through years of successful collaboration with Universities and government laboratories. We are delighted to be playing such a major role in the future of this key technology.'
The CEI will form part of Brunel's School of Engineering and Design (now one of the UK's largest engineering faculties). Lecturers, research associates and PhD students will work on technologies and projects that support technology roadmaps for both e2v and the Research Councils, seeking to fulfill the following objectives:
- To create a stream of well qualified imaging engineers and scientists to fill a critical skills gap
- To create a new team of researchers able to conduct first class research and training within a supportive collaborative framework
- To further raise the international profile of e2v as a leading imaging business
- To provide mutual access to Brunel's / e2v's specialised testing and design capabilities
- To improve the flow of innovation through to commercial success via stronger links between an academic R&D team and an experienced commercial image sensor manufacturer
The CEI has been conceived and initiated with the blessing of PPARC (Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council). It meets the ambitions of the Research Councils to encourage formal collaborations between like-minded higher education institutions and industry, in order to improve knowledge transfer between the two.
Having worked in collaboration for a number of years, e2v and Brunel University formalised their long-term partnership in 2004, with e2v's financial commitment to support positions, including a Chair, at the CEI.
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