The University of Aberdeen has launched a new series of business forums with the aim of forging closer relationships with the business community.
The events - which will be staged over the next few months and are supported by Scottish Enterprise Grampian - will offer information on the research expertise and commercial opportunities available within the University.
The first event in the “Doing Business” series will take place on Tuesday, September 14, in the Linklater Rooms, King’s College, at 6pm.
Fred Stevenson-Robb, Acting Director of the University’s Research and Innovation department, said: “The University of Aberdeen has an extensive research programme as well as a comprehensive range of commercial activity including consultancy and licensing opportunities. We also administer a strong portfolio of business focused support schemes.
“We feel that the time is ripe to implement the “Doing Business” series in order to further develop our existing industry relations and to open up new dialogue with companies for mutual benefit, be they small, medium or large organisations, across the sectors.”
The first event will focus on the Knowledge Transfer Partnership – a Government-funded grant mechanism which enables companies of any size, and in most sectors, to gain access to expertise within research institutions to work collaboratively on a strategic business development programme.
Melfort Campbell OBE, Chief Executive Officer, of the Aberdeen based engineering company Imes Group, is presenting at the first “Doing Business” seminar on September 14. He is also Chairman of the North-east Scotland KTP steering Group, through which Imes Group has had several Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
Mr Campbell said: “These particular partnerships allow benefits to accrue for both parties. It gives the companies the ability to develop their products, services and capabilities with the help of the University’s knowledge base and resources. The University gains from having better access to, and understanding of, the commercial element of the market.”
Any company interested in attending the first “Doing Business” event on September 14 should contact Angela Park on (01224) 272484 or email a.park@abdn.ac.uk