Joint Research Institute in Electronic, Communications and Power Systems

The Joint Research Institute is structured around three key themes

Electronic Systems Technologies

This theme addresses the advancement of electronic systems and devices that are based primarily on specific technologies or materials platforms. Strategic research opportunities in this area are: optical-electronic interfaces; optical, mid-IR and millimetre-wave imaging; sensor technology using MEMS; bio-sensitive and biocompatible materials for biosensors; plasmonic sensors and plasmonic signal channelling, and micro-acoustics. The aim is to develop new materials allied to appropriate fabrication technology, integrated functionality and design capability. The requirement for novel design, manufacturing and application-specific engineering of electronic systems incorporates multi-disciplinary engineering skills from fabrication to implementation.

Communications and Information Systems

This theme addresses communications systems technologies from the fundamental implementation of physical electronic and radio frequency components to the transmission, network management and reception of information in data, multi-media, speech, image and video form. Research will contribute to technology evolution and opportunity in an environment where sustained communications and information technology progress and capability are accepted worldwide as necessary for growth. Key collaborative themes include: wired networks; mobile, wireless and wire-free communication networks; wireless sensor networks; signal processing, encoding and data management in multi-media communications; and modelling of signal propagation in complex environments.

Sustainable Power Systems and Energy Technologies

The third theme addresses the major international research challenges in the search for technology and policy solutions to address fossil fuel replacement, supply security, environmental and climate change issues through novel energy production and end-uses. The focus is on specific power and energy research challenges, including: electrical energy sources and storage technologies; energy transportation, autonomous power systems and active network management; energy conversion technologies; and energy efficiency and utilisation. The activities are co-ordinated to take a ‘whole energy system’ view.

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The JRI will utilise the complementary strengths of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde to grow new research underpinned by the critical mass of existing expertise.

The Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, University of Glasgow has an internationally recognised research capability in the design, fabrication and modelling of electronic devices across a wide range of applications, ranging from power electronic devices to optoelectronics; electrical power systems modelling, simulation and analysis; electromagnetics for novel machine design and efficient energy conversion; electrical drive applications and control.

The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde hosts a broad range of electronic and electrical systems research teams with internationally recognised activity and outputs. The major themes include: electrical power engineering; control systems; ultrasonics; communications and signal processing; micro-systems and photonics.

The JRI in Electronic, Communication and Power Systems provides an excellent basis for the integration of conventionally separate research themes that provide a unique capacity to investigate significant research challenges.

Both institutions have an established record in technology transfer via mechanisms such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with industry, new spinout companies and interaction with the Intermediary Technology Institutes (ITI) in Energy and Techmedia. Also key is the training, nurturing and growth of talented research staff to work in research labs or industry or to assist former students establish new technology businesses.