Networking with industry

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. The new Intel Lab will be housed in the William Gates Computer Laboratory. It will enable University and Intel researchers to collaborate on open research projects in the fields of computers and communication. The research will focus on new networking systems and software development technologies.

Intel Research Cambridge will provide for around 50 researchers, made up of Intel staff and an equal number of University staff, students and visiting researchers. The lab will be under the directorship of Dr Derek McAuley, an affiliated lecturer at the Computer Department and founding member of the Marconi and Microsoft research labs in Cambridge.

The West Cambridge development allows departments currently housed in old buildings in the centre the space they badly need to expand and to build modern laboratories and other specialist facilities.

As well as creating opportunities for scientific advancement, essential for the University to maintain its position as one of the world's top academic institutions, the development has stimulated commercial research opportunities with companies such as Intel and Microsoft, enhancing Cambridge as a major centre for technological research.

Buildings already completed on the site include the William Gates Computer Laboratory, the Microsoft Research Centre and the newly completed Centre for Nanoscience.

Professor Sir Alec Broers, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge welcomed this new venture:

"One of the fundamental ideas for West Cambridge is that it fosters collaboration between the University and industry. This ensures that research is given the best environment in which to flourish and I welcome this new step in that process."

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