Originally published18 October 2002

The University of Warwick has won the Lord Stafford Award for innovation for its work with Coventry based Improvision. The Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) project has developed a cutting edge scientific imaging technique and enabled Improvision to increase product sales by 300 per cent and double the number of people employed.

Improvision won the award for the design of 3D imaging software that is set to revolutionise our understanding of human cells and help advance scientific knowledge. Through collaboration with Tim Atherton from Computer Science at the University of Warwick, Improvision has developed its own innovative software, which will enable users to view sharp 3D images on the screen of a 2D computer screen with no blurring.

Biomedical researchers commonly use microscopes to view cells in two dimensions. By using the software developed in this project, it is now possible to take the 2D images and quickly and easily produce a 3D model with no blurring to affect the image quality. This will allow scientists to relate the structure of the cell or tissue to its function, which will lead to a better understanding of how cells work and what happens when cells become diseased.

A previous collaboration between The University of Warwick and Improvision in 2001 won the national best TCS programme award, and stimulated a number of undergraduate and MSc projects.

Warwick Dynamics, a "spin-out" company established between Biddle Air Systems Limited, a heating and Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) company from Nuneaton, Warwickshire and the University of Warwick was also nominated for the award.

The Lord Stafford awards recognise and encourage collaboration between West Midlands Business and Universities. Now in their fifth year, the awards have become a channel for innovative and creative companies across the region and act as a showcase for driving creative talent forward.

For further information contact:
Jenny Murray, Assistant Press Officer
University of Warwick
Tel: (024) 76 574255
Mobile: 07876217740
Email: jennifer.murray@warwick.ac.uk

Dr Mark Bobe, Industrial Development Officer
University of Warwick
Tel: (024) 76 573178
Fax: (024) 7652 4991
Email: mark.bobe@warwick.ac.uk