£8.1m For QUB Data Storage Project

£8.1m is being spent on a new centre led by Queen's University Belfast that will seek to tackle challenges created by increasing quantities of data.

The new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at Queen’s is being developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and under the auspices of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The funding will enable doctoral students to collaborate with 12 industry partners in a bid to generate new ideas for research and commercial opportunities.

Speaking about the new Centre, its Director, Professor Robert Bowman from Queen’s School of Mathematics and Physics, said: "The type of innovation required to deliver the much needed advances in this area necessitates multi-site and multi-disciplinary collaboration and committed industry partners. As a result of the CDT initiative from the EPSRC and the funding from DEL and our industry and academic partners, we are now in a position to give doctoral students a unique environment to drive research and make a significant impact in this area."

Queen’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patrick Johnston, added: "Queen’s work in the area of photonics and advanced data storage is globally renowned, and it is a tremendously important sector for Northern Ireland and the UK. I wish to thank Professor Bowman for his leadership on this project, and the EPSRC, the Department for Employment and Learning and our industry partners for having the vision to support this Centre and help secure the sector’s future through ensuring a flow of highly skilled graduates and future industry and academic leaders."

Expressing his support for the new Queen’s-led Centre, Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry said: "I have been pleased to help facilitate this Centre for Doctoral Training, led by Queen’s and involving significant industry partners, including Seagate Technology. It is a strategically important development for Northern Ireland.

"The Centre will support 50 future scientists and engineers, who will benefit greatly from being part of an exciting and supportive learning experience while developing key skills that are crucial not only for themselves but also for the wider economy."

(IT/MH)