Joe McGeehan, Professor of Communications Engineering at Bristol University, Director of the University’s Centre for Communications Research and Managing Director of Toshiba’s Telecommunications Research Laboratory in Bristol, took up the two-year appointment earlier this month, 1 January.
The SWSIC exists to promote greater understanding of science and technology to business, and to raise awareness of the opportunities presented by science for the overall economic advantage of individual businesses and of the region.
Professor Joe McGeehan said: “I am delighted to take up this position. With the UK in recession, I look forward to working with members of SWSIC in the hope we can stimulate the economy of the South West to enable businesses to compete globally.”
The Council’s definition of science does not just apply to biological or chemical sciences but is also relevant to natural sciences, technology and humanities.
Their aim is to:
- stimulate collaboration between universities and business as well as between businesses;
- offer strategic guidance on potential investments to organisations like the South West RDA;
- stimulate demand from business for science and technology investment;
- represent the interests of the South West, nationally and internationally;
- create partnerships with other regions thereby providing better value to the UK economy.
Chair of the SWSIC Robin Gallimore, said: “I welcome the appointment of Professor Joe McGeehan to the council. I am sure his input will help maintain the economic success of industry and business in the South West region.”