NPL and University of Surrey sign £10m deal

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."

Source: National Physical Laboratory