911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Minister for Human Resources Development Kapil Sibal explores approaches to innovation and application - News release

For immediate use
Friday 15 January 2010

India’s Minister for Human Resources Development, Kapil Sibal, visited 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ yesterday to explore university innovation and the process of translating research into new technologies and applications.

The visit formed part of a five-day tour of the UK to strengthen educational ties between the two countries. It comes at a time when India is exploring ways to develop its higher education sector, including plans for ‘innovation universities’, the first tranche of which will centre on health, the environment and new technologies for power plants.

The afternoon of activities at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ aimed to provide the minister with an insight into the College’s approach to innovation, from pure research right through to its translation to the market place. Key strategies discussed included the creation of interdisciplinary institutes that draw together researchers with a range of expertise to jointly tackle issues such as sustainable energy, climate change, global health and security science. Mr Sibal also explored 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ’s creation of the UK’s first Academic Health Science Centre, in partnership with 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ College Healthcare NHS Trust, which integrates the administrative structures of the university and the Trust in a way that enables research findings to be turned into new therapies for patients much more quickly than previously possible.

The visit also included sessions on how new ideas and technologies can be commercialised from representatives of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ Innovations, a technology transfer company partly owned by the College and based on its South Kensington campus. Over the past 12 years, more than 80 new companies have been spun out of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ research by 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ Innovations.

Sir Keith O’Nions, Rector of 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, said:

“We are acutely aware here at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ that we have an obligation to turn our research into tangible benefits to society. Developing collaborations with like-minded partners around the world is a large part of that. The world’s great challenges need a joined up international response to be solved effectively, and we are keen to work with people who share our passion for application and innovation. So we were delighted to welcome Mr Sibal to 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, and to discuss with him his very exciting and far-sighted approach to higher education in India.”

911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ’s current collaborations with India include the establishment of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre to act as a portal for the establishment of closer links, and links between the College’s Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Divecha Institute for Climate Change at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore. Around 250 students from India currently study at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ.

For more information contact:

Abigail Smith
911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ Press Office
Tel: 020 7594 6701
Email: abigail.smith@imperial.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

About 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve health in the UK and globally, tackle climate change and develop clean and sustainable sources of energy.

Website: www.imperial.ac.uk