Innovative research which is helping to add more to the positive environmental profile of steelmaking and offer an alternative solution to animal testing have been recognised at Cardiff University’s annual Innovation Awards.
The Innovation Awards are designed to recognise the successful collaborations forged between the University and industry. This year’s awards celebrate innovation in engineering and medical research.
The 2010 Innovation Prize went to a successful collaboration between Cardiff University’s School of Engineering and steelmaker Corus, part of the Tata Steel Group, based in South Wales.
The project created a Centre of Excellence in Energy Optimisation, By-Product and Waste Management with the objective of exploring more energy efficient and materials efficient technology both of which contribute to the business’ competitiveness and environmental care.
Leading the collaboration, Professor Tony Griffiths from Cardiff University’s School of Engineering, said: “This project is an excellent example of how University knowledge and expertise can help a vital part of the Welsh economy and a key employer share knowledge and meet industry challenges.
“In particular the project is helping the company address some of the longstanding steel industry problems – especially the unwanted waste product of zinc in recycling of steel.
“It’s also an excellent example of how we, in the School of Engineering, can apply our knowledge to industry through skills transfer.”
The collaboration was also recognised for helping the Corus workforce gain new skills. Corus employees received training in new areas of safe combustion, which is helping to improve energy efficiency and reduce accident levels.
Lianne Deeming, Corus’ Director of Business Improvement and Business Excellence said: “With the vital contribution of the public sector, including the academic expertise from Cardiff University Engineering Department’s Centre of Excellence, we are maintaining a competitive edge here in Wales.”
The 2010 Innovation Award went to a collaboration between Cardiff School of Biosciences and Q Chip – a University spin-out company which specialises in innovative drug delivery methods.
Led by Dr Kelly BéruBé, the ‘micro-lung’ project has developed a novel 3D growth system for the culture of lung cells. The new method is designed to mimic human tissue and will offer an alternative solution to animal testing and further insight into lung disease mechanisms
Dr BéruBé said: “We are delighted that the research we’ve developed has been recognised in this way.
“This research, working alongside Q Chip, has enabled us to develop a novel method of growing cells to help generate environments that more closely resemble those experienced in the body, so we can generate conditions that correlate with the results we would expect to see in humans.
Dr Daniel Palmer, Head of Research and Development at Q Chip said: “Combining Q Chip’s novel microchemistry platform with Dr BéruBé’s lung disease model, this collaborative project aims to produce cell-specific growth supports, which enable human tissue-like constructs for investigating disease and regeneration.”
Also recognised during the awards ceremony was the development of a novel “Virtual Patient” Ultrasound Simulator for Cardiff spin-out company, MedaPhor Ltd. The joint project, led by Mr Nazar Amso from the University’s School of Medicine with Professor Nick Avis from Cardiff’s School of Computer Science and Informatics, has developed groundbreaking new equipment to train students in sonography.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Grant, who hosted the awards ceremony said: “Cardiff University’s Innovation Awards, now in their eleventh year, are an opportunity to celebrate the links and successful collaborations forged between the University and industry.
“This year’s winners are yet again examples of the work that the University is doing to help support Welsh industry and develop new and innovative business solutions.
“On behalf of the University, I congratulate the award winners for their outstanding achievements.”
Finance Wales, which makes commercial investments in Wales-based SMEs, has invested in both Q Chip and MedaPhor.
Previous award winners have included the design and commissioning of a new material recovery facility and the production of a low carbon affordable housing using homegrown Welsh softwood.
Cardiff University Innovation Awards are a key part of its Innovation Network. Founded in 1996, Cardiff University Innovation Network aims to develop a strong network for business in the regional knowledge-economy.
The Network provides opportunities for business to business and business to university links across all disciplines.
The 2010 awards were sponsored by Geldards Law Firm, Fusion IP and Finance Wales.
