15th October 2001

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The University of Ulster was one of only a handful of UK universities invited to participate in the China High Technology Fair being held in Shenzhen, China 12-17 October, 2001. The Fair is being hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Forming part of the UK Pavilion, the University of Ulster is exhibiting the world class, cutting edge research in biotechnology, software development, advanced materials, nanotechnology and e-commerce being undertaken across the University campuses.

Professor John Hughes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Development) said “The University of Ulster already has strong research and academic links with outstanding universities in China and Hong Kong.

“We are attending the High Technology Fair with Invest UK and Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Science and Innovation) to promote the research and educational opportunities that exist at the University of Ulster for high technology companies in China.”

The University has already been successful in UK Government initiatives to establish a seed venture fund providing essential funding for new high technology start-up companies, and for the establishment of the Northern Ireland Centre for Entrepreneurship to help support entrepreneurs to realise their full potential.

Professor Hughes continued, “We are actively building on our research excellence in these important knowledge-based sectors with investment of over £25m in new advanced research buildings and facilities to ensure that our research groups continue to drive world class technology development in these area.”

The Exhibition is expected to attract around 8000 representatives from universities, companies, and research organisations across China.

Dr Chris Barnett, CEO University of Ulster Science Research Parks said “The High Technology Fair is providing an opportunity for the University to show case the technologies and spin-out companies being established from our research base and discuss technology transfer opportunities with Chinese companies. There are many potential synergies between our spin-out companies and those being established in China.”

“The Chinese economy represents one of the most exciting opportunities for high-technology companies from Northern Ireland. We are seeking to forge strong links at this early stage to enhance the opportunities for our high-technology, knowledge-based companies to globalise their activities and gain early entry into this developing, and important market.

“The University of Ulster Science Research Parks also provides opportunities for Chinese companies to establish a European base in Northern Ireland in close proximity to internationally recognised, sector-specific research strengths and appropriately skilled and qualified graduates that are essential for the continued growth and development of these companies.”

Following the High Technology Fair, Professor Hughes and Dr Barnett will return to Hong Kong for a further round of meetings with Hong Kong-based companies seeking to establish close links with the University of Ulster and the Science Research Parks.

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk