A groundbreaking new research facility has been officially launched at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus.
The £5.5 million Science and Engineering Research Support Facility (SERSF) will bring together business, science and engineering disciplines.
It was launched during a ceremony which was attended by local entrepreneurs, government officials, research collaborators, and University staff on the 22nd October.
The SERSF was created via an investment from the European Regional Development Fund Convergence Programme (£3.9 million) and a £1.6 million investment from the University of Exeter.
Aimed at growing the economy of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the facility is expected to play a key role in job creation and investment by building upon the existing education and research assets, whilst supporting the development of high-value businesses.
Featuring a specially designed area for business engagement, known as ‘The Collaboratory’, it is hoped that the centre will facilitate the development of long-term research projects with selected local business partners.
Alongside this, the laboratories for offshore renewables and biosciences will allow for an expansion of the research which is currently being led by the Marine Renewables team and the Centre for Ecology and Conservation (CEC).
The two-storey facility will also offer additional office space, allowing those engaged in both research and teaching a greater degree of flexibility.
The enhancement of business engagement at the Penryn Campus will also mean that the Business School can expand into Cornwall, where it will be offering courses for September 2015 entry onwards.
