MARCH 21--CBI director general Digby Jones gave the keynote speech at the official launch of the e2v centre for electronic imaging (CEI). 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.
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."
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 Ph.D. 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 specialized 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.