THE University of Glasgow is set to launch a new computing science innovation lab, known as the Glasgow Computing Science Innovation Lab (GLACSIL), aiming to strengthen the ties between academia and industry. The official launch event is scheduled to take place today at the university’s Clarice Pears Building.
GLACSIL is designed to facilitate collaboration between researchers from the School of Computing Science and representatives from six companies that have already established collaborative links with the school through jointly funded research projects. These companies include Bell Nokia Labs, BT Research, Thales, Moodagent, International Data Flows, and DotPhoton.
One of the primary objectives of GLACSIL is to foster a shared research culture between the School of Computing Science and its industry partners. Members will have access to various activities such as research seminars, workshops, and networking events, providing a platform to address key research questions relevant to both academia and industry.
Jill Dykes, co-director of GLACSIL, highlighted the University of Glasgow’s longstanding history at the forefront of computing science and emphasized the institution’s commitment to translating research into real-world impact. She underscored the unique environment of universities as spaces where groundbreaking ideas are nurtured, offering industry partners valuable insights into emerging technological breakthroughs.
The School of Computing Science at the University of Glasgow is known for its innovation across various domains, including artificial intelligence, computer vision, cybersecurity, and programming languages.
Thales, a leading partner of GLACSIL, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting the synergies between its technical requirements and the expertise of the university’s researchers. Nicholas Wood, chief electro-optics technologist at Thales, emphasized the potential for expanding the partnership in the future.
Professor Phil Trinder, GLACSIL’s academic lead and co-director, outlined the ambition to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. He emphasized the lab’s initial focus on fostering a shared research culture with existing partners, with plans to extend collaboration opportunities to companies of all sizes in the future.
GLACSIL aims to play a pivotal role in Scotland’s research and innovation landscape by facilitating meaningful collaborations between academia and industry, driving technological advancements and socioeconomic impact.
