Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Greer has welcomed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Kwasi Kwarteng MP to the university.
A team from Queen’s briefed the Minister on the university’s unique role in supporting research and development, the Belfast Regional City Deal and opportunities posed and arising from the UK Government’s Innovation Strategy.
Speaking about the visit, Professor Greer said: “ “Our team also updated the Secretary of State on the recent Smart Nano NI Consortium funding allocation, a once in a generation opportunity for Northern Ireland which will accelerate the development of transformative advanced prototyping and smart manufacturing methods.”
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Professor Greer added: “Northern Ireland is well positioned as a global leader for excellence in the field of nano technologies as well as delivering a significant and lasting impact on our local economy. Innovation is part of the fabric at Queen’s and we are very proud of our key role in delivering in growth areas where Northern Ireland has international strength and capability.”
Dr Mark Gubbins, speaking on behalf of Smart Nano NI, also commented: “Northern Ireland has a unique cluster of expertise in photonics and nano technology. Working together we are advancing Northern Ireland’s capability around nano manufacturing and world-leading knowledge in photonics to create a self-sustaining local industry. This will deliver significant benefits for the economic growth of the region and the corridor of businesses from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry, ensuring a levelling up of shared opportunities.”
Source: Written from press release.
