The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Photonic Systems Development, a joint venture between the University of Cambridge and University College London funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is encouraging UK technology companies to work with the Centre’s Masters and PhD students in collaborative research projects that are relevant to industry needs.

The Centre’s research is already contributing to a new wave of technologies in fields as diverse as communications, displays, bio-medical imaging and construction. Last year’s Industry Day was attended by more than 80 individuals from a wide range of companies which have supported student projects and collaborative research within the Centre over the last three years.

Graduates from the Centre’s four year PhD programme will be the next generation of photonics pioneers with the skills and confidence to drive future technology research, development and exploitation through new products, processes and services.

Professor Alwyn Seeds

The keynote speakers for this year’s event will be Susan Peacock (ICT Portfolio Manager, EPSRC) and Professor Mike Wale (Director, Active Products Research, Oclaro).

Technology companies are invited to outline their interest in photonics and provide their views on the potential growth areas that could become a focus for the Centre. The photonics industry is growing rapidly and experts predict that photonic systems will become one of the most significant enabling technologies of the next few decades.

“Graduates from the Centre’s four year PhD programme will be the next generation of photonics pioneers with the skills and confidence to drive future technology research, development and exploitation through new products, processes and services,” said Professor Alwyn Seeds, Director of the Centre. “Their skill sets are already greatly in demand from companies and research organisations, as photonics becomes fully embedded in electronics-based systems applications ranging from communications to sensing, industrial manufacture and biomedicine.”

Companies are invited to consider the opportunity for the Centre’s staff and students to help them accelerate the commercialisation of their research. Contact Tim Bodley-Scott, the Centre’s Business Development Officer, for more information.