The University is to lead one of two £10m research centres that will transform the UK’s manufacturing industries through the use of photonics, the science and technology of light.
Photonics manufactures the critical components inside our mobile phones and enables the internet and the optical storage technologies that underpin the digital world.
The National Hub in High Value Photonic Manufacturing was announced by Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson. The second Hub in Future Liquid Metal Engineering is based at Brunel University in London.
The Future Photonics Hub, which is funded for seven years, will accelerate growth of the UK’s £10bn photonics industry and support the £600 billion of UK manufacturing output that depends on photonics.
Hub lead Professor Sir David Payne, Director of the ORC, said:
“The ORC has been at the forefront of photonics for over 40 years. We know from experience the astonishing range of innovative ideas that emerge when scientists and engineers think about manufacturing. The key is to work with industry to understand the opportunity not only to improve existing manufacturing methods but to develop entirely new ways of making things.”
Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Universities and Science, said:
“From cars to smartphones our world-leading research drives innovation and growth in the UK’s manufacturing industries. With this investment, these new manufacturing hubs will develop the next generation of high tech products in communications and healthcare, as well as tackle industry challenges such as rising materials costs.”
You can find more information on the University website.