CAIS and Industry

The role of CAIS includes the encouragement of contact between UCL Researchers and Industry and vice-versa. There are a number of activity areas involved both academic and commercial.

The advanced instrumentation courses introduced by CAIS require research projects from Industry. These projects are usually volunteered by many of CAIS industrial contacts.

In 1993, CAIS introduced an Associate Membership Scheme which offered companies a number of services, including free consultancy , database searches, newsletters, reports on research work undertaken at UCL in advanced instrumentation, access to job seekers, attaendance at Forums etc. A number of larger enterprises joined the scheme, but smaller companies appeared to be deterred by the relatively high annual subscription.

After eighteen months of activity, CAIS reviewed its Associate Membership Scheme, and has now made a positive move to attract smaller enterprises by replacing Associate Members with a Specialised Instrumentation Group . All companies who become collaborators with CAIS through it's teaching or research contracts (including KTP) automatically become members of the Specialised Instrumentation Group, entitling them to all the original offerings to Associate Members, excluding free consultancy. Membership currently stands at about 40.

CAIS continues to develop contacts, particularly with smaller companies involved with high technology and advanced instrumentation.

More recently, CAIS has introduced a number of Knowldge Transfer Partnerships into UCL. These schemes involve a recent graduate, employed by the College on a two or three years contract and working in a company on a project which will enhance the performance of the company. Managed by the Momenta Ltd the scheme provides advantages for College, Industry and the Graduate.

CAIS is also a member of the M4 Innovation Network , an organisation which encourages partnerships between industry and academia.

This page last modified 16 January, 2008 by [Content Provider]