WMG at the University of Warwick today (Wednesday 20^th April 2011) hosted a visit from Mr Nihat Ergun, Turkish Minister of Industry and Trade and Mr Huseyin Tanriverdi, Member of the Turkish Parliament and Vice President of the Justice and Development Party.

They had asked to visit WMG to find out more about its renowned ability to form highly successful partnerships between academia and industry. Turkey is looking to launch an innovation centre which will provide an opportunity for technology transfer and innovation within Turkish industry. They are also keen to develop the skills of the workforce, by working with industry to create relevant postgraduate management courses.

They met with WMG Director Professor Lord Bhattacharyya to find out more about how WMG develops partnerships with industry and the significant economic benefits of such partnerships. They were also particularly interested to hear how such partnerships brought significant strengths to the postgraduate education offered by WMG.

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya said “It is always encouraging when another country views WMG as best practice when it comes to working with industry. We have developed a world-wide reputation of working collaboratively with global companies to help them develop innovative products and processes. We are an advocate of working with industry to promote innovation and develop the skills of their workforce. WMG is supportive of developing an innovation centre in Turkey.”

Tours of WMG’s International Digital Laboratory and International Manufacturing Centre gave them the opportunity to meet with staff, to discover the breadth of our multi-disciplinary capabilities and the wide range of sectors we work with. Professor Paul Jennings described his research in sound environments in hospitals, cityscapes, and the automotive sector. At the Institute of Digital Healthcare Professor Vinesh Raja highlighted the multi-disciplinary approach to improving people’s health and wellbeing through the use of innovative technologies. Dr Mark Williams highlighted our new £4m unique research and development Customer Interface Technologies Centre of Excellence, which gives companies direct access to the latest product evaluation technologies and processes.

Mr Nihat Ergun commented “We are very impressed with Professor Lord Bhattacharyya and what he has achieved. WMG is an excellent example of how universities can work with global companies such as Tata to develop innovative products and through this promote innovation.”

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications
Communications Office, University House,
University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 8UW, United Kingdom
email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)24 76 523708 Mobile/Cell: +44 (0)7767 655860

PR60 20th April 2011 PJD