The Scottish Executive has announced £5.4million in funding for 36 research based projects, as part of the second round of the Proof of Concept (PoC) Funding. The University of Aberdeen has been awarded four funding packages, totalling £650,000.
The Proof of Concept Awards are designed to help ideas at the early stage of development into the market place. The University of Aberdeen awards cover sectors including Molecular and Cell Biology, Engineering, and Bio-Medical Physics and Bio-Engineering technology.
The four projects to receive funding are:
- Developing a portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for medical, veterinary and food industry use
- Testing systems using microbes in place of laboratory mice to detect toxins in shellfish
- A smart technology for leak detection and sealing in pipelines
- Improved scanning systems to monitor the responses of cancers to treatment
Professor Alex Forrester, Vice-Principal, University of Aberdeen, said that he was delighted that four of Aberdeen’s bids had been supported in this latest round of Proof of Concept funding.
“I am delighted that the Scottish Executive has recognised the importance of exploiting universities’ leading–edge research projects. The University of Aberdeen welcomes the award of four Proof of Concept grants, and strongly supports the continuation of the scheme. Work proceeding in Scottish universities has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people around the world and I am delighted that the University of Aberdeen will be contributing to this improvement.”
The Proof of Concept fund was set up in 1999 to support the early stage development of innovative products and process in Scottish universities and research institutions, turning novel ideas into business opportunities. It is a genuinely innovative and significant step in increasing the chances of University research results becoming commercial successes.
The full announcement of the Scottish science successes is available from the Scottish Executive website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/news/2001/04/se0947.asp
Further information from:
Angela Begg, Public Relations, on 01224 272960
Issued by Public Relations Office, External Relations, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 272014 Fax: 01224 272086
University Press Office on telephone +44 (0)1224-273778 or email a.ramsay@admin.abdn.ac.uk.