7 October 2014

Cardiff University planning Research Institute for Compound Semiconductor Technology

At the Cardiff University’s first Innovation Fast Forward Festival in Wales, UK, vice-chancellor professor Colin Riordan has outlined plans to invest £300m to transform a site from a disused, former industrial space into a new campus comprising four new buildings.

As well as what is claimed to be the world’s first Social Science Research Park (SPARK), an Innovation Centre and a Translational Research Facility, this includes a Research Institute for Compound Semiconductor Technology.

As a unique facility in the UK, the proposed institute would demonstrate and test compound semiconductor technology in realistic environments, providing facilities that allow for R&D but also greater engagement with industry, aiming to position Cardiff to become the UK and European leader in translational research in this area.

“Cardiff Innovation System matches a multi-million pound investment with a vision to put innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of our strategy,” said Riordan. “Working with the Welsh and UK governments, local authorities such as Cardiff Council, the NHS in Wales, business partners and civic society, Cardiff Innovation System can establish the university, the city and Wales as international leaders in innovation,” he believes. “Cardiff Innovation system will help us demonstrate the relevance of our work to the communities we serve, better connect industry, business, government and charities with our academics, and nurture student entrepreneurship and grass-roots business development.”

Riordan also outlined how it is intended to develop and embed an ethos of innovation across the university. Plans include a practitioners/innovators-in-residence program, high-level training and skills development for postgraduate students, and the development of existing enterprise education and opportunities to strengthen the culture of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among students.

Business cases are being developed for the proposed new buildings, to be subjected to approval of the university’s Council (its governing body).

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