On 11th November, the UK Government published its long-awaited National Security and Investment Bill setting out the Governmentâs proposals. We want to make you aware of the changes and while we canât offer legal advice, we strongly recommend you take time to understand what that will mean to you and your organisation. The Bill is being debated […]
Academics from The Future Photonics Hub showcased their leading research in photonics manufacturing at a recent premier UK photonics exhibition – SPIE Photonex and Vacuum Expo 2020 Digital Forum. The annual forum brings together industry and academic experts from across the UK to share the latest innovations in photonics, and this year, due to the […]
Professor Sir David Payne, Principal Investigator of The Future Photonics Hub and Director of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), shares his thoughts on the direction of the UKâs research agenda in the wake of COVID-19, and the role photonics can play in tackling the public health and economic challenges that lie ahead. Post-budget, and post-COVID, how is governmentâs research agenda likely to change? The pandemic will have made many countries much […]
In just a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, affecting day-to-day life and disrupting economies around the globe. What impact did this have on the photonics research community, and what challenges and opportunities have we faced as we move into a ânew normalâ? We asked three distinguished researchers and a final-year PhD student for their perspectives on the UK research landscape, the future of international collaboration, the practicalities of carrying out research in the ânew normalâ, and the […]
With COVID-19 impacting all sectors of the economy, which will in turn influence future government policy and spending decisions, a strong voice for the photonics industry has never been more important. The Photonics Leadership Group (PLG) has been gathering industry intelligence and facilitating the development of a vision for next-generation photonics, in order to understand the effects of COVID-19 on the sector and inform future research, funding and strategy […]
The COVID-19 crisis has seen people all over the world rapidly moving their work and social lives online; we have never relied on the internet more. But did you know that the fibre optic network that supports today’s internet was made possible by ground-breaking research at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton? Professor […]
Sparking a passion for photonics The Future Photonics Hub is inspiring the next generation of photonics researchers and engineers through a range of outreach activities, with the aim of attracting a more diverse workforce to the sector. Developing a pipeline for the UK photonics workforce There is a well-recognised need to expand the pipeline of talent coming into the UK photonics sector. But there is also a continuing perception, among girls and young people from minority ethnic […]
One of the worldâs leading fibre laser designers and manufacturers â Southampton spin-out company SPI Lasers â is celebrating 20 years of innovation. Founded in 2000, as a direct result of pioneering research in Southamptonâs Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), the company now sells products in more than 150 countries around the globe, employs 300 employees, and has an annual turnover of about ÂŁ70million. We talk to Professor […]
Dr Kirsty Annand is the driving force behind Opening Up Photonics, an initiative that is helping the photonics industry attract a more diverse workforce, with a particular focus on closing the sectorâs gender gap. Kirsty, who is External Engagement Manager for the Photonic Integration and Advanced Data Storage Centre for Doctoral Training, explains how Opening Up Photonics came about, and how supporting the sector to appeal to a broader demographic will help address […]
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A future manufacturing research hub
