Published:
Heriot-Watt University and Renishaw plc have been shortlisted in the Partnership category in the RCUK PraxisUnico Impact Awards.
Renishaw would not have been able to get so far in these areas of research without the interaction and research knowledge of Heriot-Watt and it has given us a three year head start on our development.
This celebrates the achievements of a business, public sector or non-profit organisation which has worked with a university to enable social or economic impact in conjunction with a KEC (Knowledge Exchange and Commercialism) team.
The Strategic Alliance between Heriot-Watt and Renishaw, based at the University's Research Park, dates back to 2006. It involves collaborative research across multiple Schools, supporting a range of fundamental and applied research projects which provide a pipeline of research for Renishaw to develop new products and processes.
Renishaw has sponsored over 40 fundamental research projects, with a value in excess of £1M, which has led to a number of new patents and products. They have also provided the University with valuable and crucial metrology equipment valued in excess of £2M, supporting teaching and research activities across the University.
Key milestones have included the Renishaw Advanced Metrology Centre, opened at Heriot-Watt in 2008, sponsorship of a number of engineering doctorate students across the three Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) that Heriot-Watt leads and participates in (which align to the research areas of Renishaw in Applied Photonics, Robotics & Autonomous Systems and Embedded Intelligence), and participating as key partner in the Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in laser base production processes, which is led by Heriot-Watt.
Success and mutual benefits
Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal, Enterprise & Business, said, “This is great news, and recognises the achievements of a strategic partnership which builds on the innovation and expertise of both Renishaw and the University across a range of disciplines. It is particularly gratifying that the success of our partnership with Renishaw underlines the mutual benefits of company location on the University's Research Park.
“Now we are just looking forward to the finals, with confidence and with fingers firmly crossed!”
Nick Weston, Manager of Renishaw Edinburgh, said, “Renishaw would not have been able to get so far in these areas of research without the interaction and research knowledge of Heriot-Watt and it has given us a three year head start on our development. It's great to see these achievements recognised in this Partnership shortlisting.”
The final awards will be announced at a ceremony in June.