World-class laser research centre opens at Strathclyde

The new UK headquarters for Europe’s largest contract research organisation officially opens the doors of its home at the University of Strathclyde today.

The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) will provide laser research and development – and associated technologies, including optical sensors – for a variety of sectors, such as security, healthcare, energy and transport.

Speaking ahead of today’s launch at Strathclyde, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Michael Russell said:

“I am pleased to welcome Fraunhofer CAP to Scotland. This is a major coup for Strathclyde and once again underlines the reputation and expertise of Scotland’s universities for research and knowledge exchange activities.

“This new centre will further enhance that reputation and attract new and exciting business opportunities to Strathclyde and Scotland as a whole. I am sure the Centre will go from strength to strength.”

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde, said:

“The Fraunhofer CAP will work closely with partners in business, industry, government and the broader Scottish academic community to solve global challenges, design and develop the products and services of tomorrow and support the economy.

“As the very first Fraunhofer Research Centre in the UK, it reflects and supports Strathclyde’s position as a leading international technological university, and centre of excellence for industrial engagement – specifically in the field of photonics research and commercialisation, via our Institute of Photonics and other research groups.”

Professor Martin Dawson, Fraunhofer CAP’s Head of Centre, said:

“Through the new Centre, we have a fantastic opportunity to work closely with businesses across the UK – as well as our partners at both Strathclyde and other universities – and have received enthusiastic encouragement from government and industry.

“The new facility will offer an exciting and effective path for university research to progress towards full economic impact, while providing an incredible opportunity for the wider industrial photonics community in Scotland and the UK to flourish.”

Tim Holt, Executive Director of Fraunhofer UK Research Limited, said:

“The establishment of the first Fraunhofer Research Centre in the UK has been a truly collaborative effort by the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise, the Scottish Funding Council, the University of Strathclyde and our German partners, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft and Fraunhofer IAF in Freiburg.

“The aim of the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics is to assist companies across to UK to develop new innovative products and processes as well as providing them with a supply of well-informed, knowledgeable and practical recruits who understand what industry demands from them."

Paul Lewis, managing director of operations at Scottish Enterprise, said:

"Fraunhofer centres excel in supporting companies to develop new products from research. Having this centre in Scotland will bring significant benefits for our companies, helping them to invest in their growth, sharpen their competitive edge and compete in global markets.

“That a major international organisation such as Fraunhofer has chosen to base its first UK Research Centre in Scotland is testament to our position as the leading UK location for R&D investment.”

Mark Batho, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:

“The Funding Council is pleased to support the first UK Fraunhofer research centre. This is testament to Scotland’s reputation for world-leading research and will strengthen that reputation and create economic growth, translate research expertise into help for businesses to develop new products and services and produce highly skilled graduates for industry.”

The Fraunhofer CAP has been created with funding from Germany-based Fraunhofer, the University of Strathclyde, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council. Initially based in bespoke Strathclyde accommodation – where custom-built laser laboratories have been created – the Fraunhofer CAP will, in due course, be a key tenant in the University’s Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC). TIC aims to transform the way universities, business and industry collaborate to find solutions to global challenges, create jobs and support the economy.

Fraunhofer has more than 20,000 employees in 60 Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany alone and has established Research Centres throughout Europe and America. Fraunhofer research has formed the basis of a wide range of technologies for industry and products in everyday use, such as the MP3 player and apps for mobile phones, including customised weather reports and music identification systems like the iPhone app, Shazam.