Thales sponsors university research prize at NMI Awards 2014
NMI, the electronic systems industry organisation, holds the annual awards to recognise the achievements of organisations and individuals, rewarding accomplishments that are “conducive to the vibrancy and prosperity of the UK industry”.
Thales Research and Technology (TRT UK) is sponsoring the University Research Group of the Year award, which focuses on university research groups that demonstrate excellent liaison and partnership with industry.
“Thales’s relationship with academia is key to the technologies that we develop now and in the future, helping us to achieve our growth ambition and providing technologically advanced solutions for our customers. We are proud to sponsor this award and demonstrate our support and commitment to UK academic excellence.”
Terry O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Thales Research & Technology UK
According to NMI Awards criteria, judges will consider applications from university departments that have an electronics systems research programme and who can demonstrate: world-class electronics systems research that shows strength in depth; a successful research collaboration and partnership portfolio with industry; evidence of a strong skills and knowledge transfer record with industry, turning ideas into economic benefit; and evidence of helping the electronics systems skills pipeline through the training and development of industry-aware researchers.
Thales invests 20% of its revenues in research and development each year, with established R&D centres in 18 countries across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The Group employs around 22,500 engineers and researchers worldwide. TRT UK works in close collaboration with government agencies, universities and private research organisations and has a strong track record of innovation that has led directly to Thales companies receiving four Queen’s Awards for Technology.
TRT UK recognises the importance of the development of the future talent pool and works closely with schools and academia to attract talent into the appropriate STEM subjects and degree courses.
NMI is the industry association representing the UK electronic systems, micro-electronics and semiconductor communities. It aims to be the home for the many and diverse sectors of the UK’s electronic systems industry.
Derek Boyd, CEO of NMI, said: “The UK has a long history of innovation and excellence in many areas of electronic systems engineering. The industry is truly global and the competition is fierce. It is therefore vital that we do all we can to drive progress and encourage industry-academia collaboration to the max.
“This award recognises those universities which demonstrate both excellence and collaborative qualities and we’re delighted to have a global champion such as Thales to support the award.”