Commission funds technology transfer cooperation between UK and Russia

Brussels, 13 Dec 2002

Scientists from Lomonosov Moscow State University will visit the University of Warwick on 17 December in order to learn from their experience of transferring scientific and technological research into commercial ventures.

Warwick Ventures is a department within the university that develops the results of research and ensures that they are fully commercialised. With the recent shift to a free market Russian economy, there is a strong need in the country for new sources of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the delegation, funded through the European Commission's Tempus programme, hopes to observe and apply the technology transfer model used successfully by Warwick University.

Dr Ederyn Williams, Director of Warwick Ventures, said: 'With the creation of new spin-off companies, technology transfer provides a much-needed boost to the economy at a time when traditional manufacturing industry is in decline. With already over 20 spin-off companies, Warwick Ventures has a track record of successfully maximising the commercial application of research at the University of Warwick, and Moscow State University is now seeking to follow in our footsteps.'

The Russian delegation, coordinated by Dr Georgy Laptev, will visit Warwick's Manufacturing Group, Biological Sciences, and several university spin-off companies. The visit is seen as a rare opportunity to develop UK-Russian relations by scientists at Warwick University, and a return visit is planned for the New Year when representatives from Warwick Ventures will travel to Russia to assist in the foundation of a similar department at Moscow State University.

Dr Laptev said of the upcoming visit: 'This is an excellent opportunity to discuss cooperation between Moscow State University and the University of Warwick in science and education.'

For further information about Warwick Ventures, please consult the following web address:
http://www.ventures.warwick.ac.uk/

For more information on the Commission's Tempus Programme, please visit:
http://www.etf.eu.int/tempus.nsf

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001