Senate

Subject: Centre for Biological Engineering

Origin: Research School of Health and Life Sciences

Executive Summary:

A new laboratory suite has been constructed in Holywell Park to integrate the biological engineering research of three of the engineering departments of the University. The Research School of Health and Life Sciences recommends that the new grouping of staff and facilities is designated The Centre for Biological Engineering to maximise the opportunities afforded by this exciting development.

Strategic/Operational Objectives met:

Research aiming to increase quality of life and in collaboration with industry and users
Strengthens research infrastructure and creates critical mass

Senate Action Required:

Senate is asked to APPROVE the establishment of the Centre for Biological Engineering.

Background

1. The University has invested, with emda, in a new research laboratory suite in Holywell Park for Class 2 biological and other research.

2. The laboratory integrates the biological engineering work of the research groups of Prof. Williams of the Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Prof. Hewitt of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Prof. Kong of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Staff will work together within the Centre but will remain members of their own academic departments. Other members of the University will also be able to use the laboratory as appropriate.

Aims and Objectives

3. The new integrated laboratory and research team creates visible multidisciplinary critical mass and will seek to:

Enable translational research from innovation to product
Build new capability and capacity in biological engineering
Provide a focal point for securing research and industrial funding and of international presence, and
Ensure safe working practices

Designation as a Centre of the University reinforces this strategic intent.

Management

4. The Centre will be managed by a committee of each head of department or their delegate, the three professors and the laboratory manager. The centre director and chair of the committee will rotate around departments and the Dean of Engineering will oversee the detailed arrangements. Professor Williams will be the first Director.