Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics Officially Opens

The UK headquarters for Europe’s largest contract research organization has officially opened its doors at the University of Strathclyde.

The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), based in Strathclyde’s new Technology and Innovation Center, will be a hub for industry-driven laser research and technology for the security, health care, energy and transport sectors. The center was announced in June 2012 and established with funding from Fraunhofer, the university, the Scottish government, Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Funding Council. (See: Fraunhofer Opening Laser Research Center at Strathclyde)

“The aim of the Fraunhofer Center for Applied Photonics is to assist companies across the 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,” said Tim Holt, executive director of Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd., Fraunhofer’s UK headquarters at the university.

“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,” said professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal of the University of Strathclyde.

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

The center is expected to be the model for more Fraunhofer research centers around the UK. Fraunhofer has more than 20,000 employees in more than 60 research units in Germany alone, and it is establishing centers throughout Europe, Asia and North America, most recently at MIT.

“Having this center 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,” said Paul Lewis, managing director of operations at Scottish Enterprise.

For more information, visit: www.strath.ac.uk