A photonics research centre developing the latest in laser and photonic technologies is set to be established through a new UK and Russia university partnership.
Aston University (UK) and Novosibirsk State University (Russia) are world innovators in the fields of optical communications, fibre optics, lasers and non-linear photonics.
The new collaboration signed between the two Institutions is set to establish the Aston-NSU International Centre for Photonics in Novosibirsk.
The partnership was presented at the 11th Ministerial UK Russia Joint Committee on Science & Technology Cooperation 2013-2015 at the Royal Society in London at which a Joint Statement on enhanced cooperation in science, higher education and innovation was signed between Minister Vince Cable and Minister Livanov, Russia’s Minister for Education and Science.
Main areas of the partnership will include;
· The development of applications for joint research funding for projects across the UK, Russia, EU and worldwide
· Joint experimental and theoretical research publications in photonics for international and high impact journals
· PhD student exchanges and undergraduate/postgraduate research opportunities
· Joint scientific seminars and workshops; public engagement and outreach activities
· Discussion and possible developments of double/joint research MSc and PhD degrees.
Professor Sergei Turitsyn, from Aston University AIPT’s team, said; “The development of a joint research centre between two world-leading research teams, will increase our research capacity and will provide access to advanced laser science knowledge, technologies, facilities and infrastructure. The centre will operate as a distributed laboratory with locations in UK and Russia. It is an outstanding link up which will advance our capabilities in laser technologies with positive impact on our research in long distance communications, medical sensing devices and fibre-laser science among others.”
Dr Sergei Kobtsev from Novosibirsk State University, said; “Photonics is undoubtedly a fast-growing field of research and innovation. Both the UK and Russia have a strong photonics manufacturing industry base and a number of high-tech companies in the photonics field. Industry needs new knowledge-intensive photonics products and I anticipate that our Centre will play a key role in linking academic knowledge with practical technological and industrial applications.”
The Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) at Aston University has more than 70 active researchers and is one of the largest groups in photonics research in the UK. The team is recognised as an international leader in nonlinear photonics, high-speed optical transmission and optical processing, in fibre optic components and in fibre optic sensors. The AIPT has an impressive portfolio of grant funding, industrial and international collaborations, history of spin-out companies, highly cited research papers and patents all demonstrating excellence in the field. This collaboration will combine the experimental and theoretical skills, know-how and facilities of the AIPT in the areas of nonlinear photonics and optical communications with the expertise of Russian partners in laser science and technology and optical engineering.
Novosibirsk State University is known for integration of education and science and the early involvement of the students into research activities. Novosibirsk State University is a leader in education of high level specialists in priority areas of science and technology employed within academia, universities, high- technology companies, and the innovation economy sector.
