The University of Bristol has received two international accolades for its innovative research. Bristol was selected from 200 universities worldwide to receive two 2008 HP Labs Innovation Research Awards, which fund research between academic institutions and HP Labs to generate breakthroughs in information technology.
The winning proposals, from the University’s Departments of Computer Science and Physics, were selected from 450 applications. Awardees will collaborate with HP Labs on high-impact research in the areas of information explosion, dynamic cloud services, content transformation, intelligent infrastructure and sustainability.
Dr Walterio Mayol-Cuevas, award recipient and lecturer in the University’s Department of Computer Science, will lead a project focused on developing novel computer vision methods. The applications of this technology range from developing camera-enabled devices that can recognise and identify objects or places by the way they look, such as a statue in a historic building, to leaving virtual post-it notes that are visible only to those you allow to see them.
Dr Mayol-Cuevas said: “Having this research partnership with HP Labs will bring the necessary focus and drive to make a positive contribution to ‘augmented reality’, a field of computer research combining real-world and computer-generated data. It is a big challenge, as with any other area of research, and we are looking forward to starting the work.”
Robert Richardson, award recipient and Professor of Physics at the University, will lead a project in the area of liquid crystal colloids. His project aims to improve users' experience of interacting with the digital world, by creating new technologies for updatable physical display surfaces.
Prith Banerjee, Director of HP Labs and Senior Vice President for research, HP, said: “Around the world, HP partners work with the best and the brightest in industry and academia to drive innovation and set the agenda for breakthrough technologies that are designed to change the world.
“HP Labs’ selection of the University of Bristol for two 2008 Innovation Research Awards demonstrates outstanding achievement and will help accelerate HP Labs’ global research agenda in pursuit of scientific breakthroughs.”
The winning projects, submitted in response to HP Labs’ call for proposals in May, come from 34 different academic institutions in 14 countries. Some of the graduate students also will be awarded HP Labs internships. More details about the HP Labs Innovation Research Program and the award recipients are available on the website.