North-east looks to electronic research

Researchers at Newcastle University are researching whether the region could be a world-leading sector for creating advanced electronics and communications technologies to be used at high temperatures, underwater and in aerospace projects.

A £3.4 million research and development facility has been established at the university's school of electrical, electronic and computer engineering, with £2.1 million in funding coming from regional development agency One NorthEast.

[…] It will attract other research and development activities in the area of advanced materials, strengthening our position as a leader within the field

Kim Wong

Innovation senior specialist

One NorthEast

In addition, the Extreme Technologies: Solutions for Harsh Environments event will be held on October 22nd to reveal the findings of the research to scientists, companies and One NorthEast business and finance experts.

Kim Wong, One NorthEast's innovation senior specialist, commented: "There's no doubting the significance of this research and its potential value to the region. It will attract other research and development activities in the area of advanced materials, strengthening our position as a leader within the field.

Professor Nick Wright, pro vice Chancellor of the research and innovation department at Newcastle University, also said the technologies developed by the institution are ready to be commercialised and the event will help link academia with regional businesses.

At its recent annual review meeting, One NorthEast suggested the region has seen growth in its oil and gas, renewable energy and process industries, while the agency spent £29.8 million over 2007/08 to stimulate enterprise and business activity and £45.2 million to grow key business sectors and connect them to scientific research.