Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network

AILU has a number of on-going projects that it manages.  One such project is its support of the “Power Photonics” Technology Node of the Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network, through which AILU is taking responsibility for laser applications at a national level.

For more details and to join in please read on.

Knowledge Transfer Networks

Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs) are vehicles to drive the flow of knowledge within and in and out of specific communities. These have been set up to improve industrial performance through facilitating innovation and brokering collaborations by connecting the UK's research base, its business and government policy.

AILU provides administrative and technical support to the Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network.

Photonics can be defined as “the generation, manipulation and detection of light”. The subject is much wider than laser materials processing, but it is an important theme within photonics and this is recognised by the photonics community and DIUS and BERR, formerly known as the DTI. The Technology Strategy Board supports the KTNs progress, see here for more details.

Designed to stimulate innovation in the UK’s key technology sectors by promoting collaboration, best practice and knowledge sharing between industry and academia.

The Photonics KTN

The Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network is a 3-year, £3.3 million project funded by the Department of Trade and Industry; it’s purpose is to stimulate innovation in the Photonics community, which includes all organisations active in optics and lasers, which includes all AILU member organisations. A significant proportion of this funding is to support a “Power Photonics” Technology Node, through which AILU is taking responsibility for laser applications at a national level.

The AILU committee feels that it could well be in the best interests of many members to join, and if you haven’t already done so, I’d like to encourage you to sign up to the new Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN). Membership of the PKTN is free. If you would like to know more about how the information you will be asked to provide will be used, please see the KTN standard legal and privacy statement.

What are the benefits of Photonics KTN membership?

AILU has been active in transferring knowledge to its membership and in enabling knowledge transfer between its members since it was created, but the Photonics KTN is extending and expanding these activities, widening the AILU network to cover both companies involved with laser processing and those organisations who would benefit from laser processing if only they knew more about it.

Membership of the Photonics KTN brings the following benefits:

  • Positioning

The KTN gives a coherent single voice for all members, from small companies to large multinational organisations and university research groups

  • Mapping

A comprehensive UK photonics strategy has been developed, and the KTN plays a key role in connecting UK strengths to emerging market opportunities

  • Training

The KTN signposts photonics courses at every level, and can assist with business literacy training for graduates

  • Advice

Photonics experts and technology translators are on hand to help solve problems and ensure that members can achieve their goals while remaining in line with industry requirements

  • Funding

The KTN helps members to identify and secure relevant funding

  • Events

The KTN supports photonics conferences, exhibitions and workshops. As a member you will be kept fully informed.

For more detail about the overall programme, there is a DTI booklet, "Painting a Bright Future" that details the DTI’s Photonics Strategy.

The Photonics KTN: How do I sign up?

You can sign up as a member of the Photonics KTN for free by going to the Photonics KTN website at http://www.photonicsktn.org and take a look around, otherwise Join here. You will then be informed about all Photonics KTN events news and activities, and will benefit from some free promotion.

If you are an AILU member, we will be pleased to do the signing up for you. All you need to is email us (click contact us) and provide your email address and a simple statement along the lines ‘please enrol me for the PKTN’. We will then submit your essential contact details and company description and you will receive a password to access the Photonics KTN site.
 


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