TWO MILLION SCIENCE RESEARCH PARK OPENS IN NORTH WEST

A TWO million pound Science Research Park at the University of Ulster Magee College has opened.

Funded by a £10 million economic initiative set aside to support the creation of a Science Park in Northern Ireland, the facility, which opened on Monday, hopes to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in harnessing the talents and ambitions of Northern Ireland’s young people.

Opening the new complex, Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary for Higher and Further Education, Training and Employment, said: “Commercial and market orientated collaboration between industry, academia and government are central to any success. The Science Research Park at Magee College is a vital component, together with the Coleraine Campus and the main site at Titanic Quarter, Belfast, of a linked Northern Ireland Science Park concept.

“I am confident that the Science Park will help spawn innovative clusters that draw together the Universities, research organisations and private sector.”

Professor Gerry McKenna, University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor, who also attended the opening ceremony added: “The University is committed to supporting the development of the knowledge-based economy in Northern Ireland.

“The launch of the Magee College Science Research Park will provide significant opportunities for life and health technology companies to cluster around the world class biomedical research activities based on our Derry campus.

“The continued development of the Park over the next eight to ten years will result in significant wealth and job creation in the new high technologies industries critical for the future prosperity of Northern Ireland.” (AMcE)