STFC Gateway Centres

"Working together to solve future challenges"

To solve the scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century, researchers must have access to state of the art facilities and must learn to work together across different disciplines and between laboratories, universities and industry.

STFC is helping to provide these connections by developing proposals for new Science and Technology Gateway Centres.

The proposed Gateway Centres are the:

• Detector Systems Centre – to develop and commercialise sensor systems for security, surveillance, biomedical imaging and other applicable markets
• Imaging Solutions Centre – to provide access to the know-how and capabilities needed for imaging micro and nanoscale systems, and to develop new imaging techniques and software
• Hartree Centre – to encourage advances in computer modeling for areas such as energy, life sciences, materials and the environment
• International Space Innovation Centre – to provide a new hub for the UK’s space programme as well as promote innovation and the development of space science in an economy that already supports 68,000 jobs.

Sited within the Science and Innovation Campuses at Harwell in Oxfordshire, and Daresbury in Cheshire, these Centres will act as national focal points for collaboration between researchers in industry and academia.

The aim is to encourage knowledge exchange and to build a strong and interactive community of world class scientists, technologists and innovators.

The Gateway Centres will do this by providing:

• access to STFC’s cutting edge facilities to help businesses develop new products and services
• unique opportunities for a new level of engagement among scientific partners
• access to highly skilled training opportunities
• a supportive environment for innovation to create the competitive conditions that attract investment

STFC sought views about the proposed Centres through workshops and consultation from a broad range of stakeholders including STFC researchers and those at facilities supported by STFC, similar communities in other research councils, as well as commercial and public sector researchers who may benefit from the Centres’ development.

As a result of these consultations, STFC is developing scientific and business cases for the Gateway Centres. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has also earmarked funding from the Large Facility Capital Fund for the Detector Systems, Hartree and International Space Innovation Centres.

Contact

Professor John Womersley
STFC Harwell Science & Innovation Campus
Tel: +44 (0)1235 445782
Email: john.womersley@stfc.ac.uk

For media enquiries please telephone: +44 (0)1235 445627

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| the Gateway Centres factsheet (PDF - 1367kB) (link opens in a new window)

Version 01 - May 2010