Exeter welcomes Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property

The visit showcased major developments in the region, including the plans for a new Science Park in Exeter.

The Minister also met members of University staff and discussed a range of higher education issues, including graduate employment opportunities.

The tour included a visit to the University’s £10m Innovation Centre, home to 36 businesses, which have created 136 jobs. David Lammy met representatives from two businesses - specialist consultancy in software testing TCL group Ltd and QinetiQ Plc, which is working with the University on a £3.2M project to exploit research into the light reflective properties of butterfly wings.

David Lammy then visited X-AT, the University’s business-facing research centre focusing on advanced manufacturing and materials. X-AT engineers demonstrated their revolutionary approach to manufacturing using Advanced Layer Manufacturing techniques. This low-carbon and low-waste technology is being used to create a range of products, from aeroplane wings to novel chocolate shapes.

David Lammy said: “Universities are central to our economic recovery, and help to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to get on. That’s why innovation centres like this one, here at Exeter, are so important: they provide that bridge between higher education and work.

“It has been great to visit the university today and to see first hand how its initiatives are making a difference to people’s lives. Businesses are being given a start that they would not otherwise get and this in turn has an effect on the research that is being carried out in the UK.  It ensures that we continue to be in a competitive position globally.”

University of Exeter Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Steve Smith said: “Each year, the University of Exeter undertakes projects to the value of £25m with business and other organisations and last year was awarded over £50m of research funding. At a time when we are growing our research and expanding our links with business and industry, it is great for us to have the opportunity to share our successes and ambitions for the future with Minister for Higher Education and Intellectual Property, David Lammy.

“At this time of significant economic problems, we are also delighted to be able to share with the Minister how Exeter is both supporting local businesses in finding their way out of the recession and is undertaking the research and higher level skills training that will help create a thriving knowledge economy in the South West.”