On Thursday 20 August, representatives of Oxford Instruments, a leading provider of high technology tools and systems for industry and research, entered into a strategic relationship with the School of Physics at the University of Bristol. The relationship aims to formally bring together Oxford Instruments as a training partner and collaborator with the three EPSRC funded Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) within the school – the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Condensed Matter Physics and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Engineering.
Oxford Instruments has identified these areas as being essential in the development of new cutting edge commercial technology and will be investing time and expertise into training the next generation of scientists, who will implement these game changing developments.
Uniquely, this agreement will allow all three CDTs to engage with Oxford Instruments in idea generating workshops and specialist training, which will lead to the co-development of integrated research programmes.
Professor James Annett, Head of Physics at the University of Bristol, welcomed the opportunity to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding and acknowledged the important contribution Oxford Instruments can make to training and research. He commented, "I believe this agreement will be the start of an important and fruitful collaboration, which will be of great benefit to Oxford Instruments, the School of Physics and especially to the current and future PhD students in our three EPSRC supported Centres for Doctoral Training."
Dr Andy Collins, Industrial Research Fellow for the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials said, "Involving Oxford Instruments in our training programmes will greatly enhance our student experience by combining their world class business acumen in the scientific sector to the high quality of training our students already receive in scientific research. Our aim is to produce the academic and industry leaders of tomorrow and this agreement supports this goal."
The School of Physics at the University of Bristol, occupies a unique position amongst UK Physics departments. The 2013 funding of three EPRSC Centres of Doctoral Training ensures at least 30 new PhD students per year for the next 5 years.
"Providing tools for exploration and exploitation of Quantum Science and functional nanomaterials is a key element of the forward looking technology strategy for Oxford Instruments. Establishing partnerships with experts in the field and supporting the talent pipeline of future research and technology leaders, both as future customer and future employees, is an important underpinning activity for us as a nanotechnology business. Today’s Memorandum of Understanding with Bristol University is a very pleasing step towards this goal," said Dr Michael Cuthbert, Managing Director at Oxford Instruments NanoScience.
"We are looking forward to both institutes working in a collaborative and complementary way to effectively address some of the development needs and concerns in the nanotechnology area. We are building upon Oxford Instruments’ unique experience for over 55 years in providing instrumentation for characterisation, nanofabrication and quantum technologies to enable advanced research," said Dr Ziad Melhem, Alliances Manager at Oxford Instruments NanoScience.