New materials research centre at WIT

Dr Jimmy Devins T.D, Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation today, (Thursday 19th February 2009), officially opened SEAM, the South Eastern Applied Materials Research Centre at Waterford Institute of Technology.

Research activity at the new centre mainly focuses on x-ray microtomography; microwave processing and magnetically-targeted nano-particles in biomedicine.

Researchers at SEAM work with a diverse range of companies in the pharmaceutical, biomedical and medical devices, electronics, aerospace, food, wood composites, consumer products and precision engineering sectors. SEAM will provide access to niche technology and expertise to companies seeking to remain competitive.

Minister Devins said the research centre, which has received over €1.2m in funding through Enterprise Ireland’s applied research enhancement centre programme, is 'a valuable resource for the southeast region but also the wider Irish economy'.

'Entirely consistent with the Government’s Strategy for Science, Technology & Innovation, the work done here is adding to the intellectual capital that industry can tap in to as we work to move economic activity in Ireland further up the value chain with a greater concentration on applied research, development and innovation.

'In an ever more competitive environment where it can be hard to look beyond the short-term, it is vital that Irish business continue to invest in collaborative research with higher education institutions like Waterford Institute of Technology,' he said.

'Ireland’s Institutes of Technology are vital drivers of regional economic development and the quality and range of research undertaken here at Waterford is underlined by the fact that in the 2007-’08 academic year alone, over €22.6m in research funding was secured by the Institute from Irish and EU sources. I know the Institute has further ambitions in this regard and I am pleased that the research and knowledge transfer strategy being pursued has a particular focus on how research can be applied in a ‘real world’ context,' the Minister added.

Dr. Willie Donnelly, Head of Research & Innovation at Waterford Institute of Technology said the official opening of SEAM by Minister Devins marked a further milestone in the Institute’s growth as an important research hub.

'The South Eastern Applied Materials Research Centre draws on our Schools of Science and Engineering and adds to our already strong research infrastructure in Waterford.

'It is through building and maximising the use of research, development and innovation infrastructure that the southeast can lay sound foundations for sustainable future economic growth. Given this, the Institute continues to strategically invest along with partners such as Enterprise Ireland in centres that serve our own learning community of postgraduate students and academic researchers but also benefit our regional, national and international partners,' said Dr. Donnelly.

Dr. Jennifer Melia, science and technology programme manager at Enterprise Ireland urged companies to use the new SEAM research centre to their advantage.

'Enterprise Ireland funding is all about applied research that will benefit companies and SEAM will be an industry-focused applied research centre providing access to materials specialists and innovative solutions for companies in the southeast region and beyond.'

Dr Ramesh Raghavendra, Manager, SEAM added that it is the mix of academic research and industry application that makes centres like SEAM particularly valuable as there is the opportunity to apply research in ‘live’ settings. 'Collaboration brings best results and as well as our industry partners we will also work with other applied research enhancement centres and higher education institutions in Ireland and overseas to advance a common agenda.'

SEAM is one of three Enterprise Ireland-sponsored applied research enhancement centres along with 3CS (Centre for Converged IP Communications Services) and the recently-approved PMBRC (Pharmaceutical & Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre) at Waterford Institute of Technology.

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