Scots prime physics talent

Scotland's innovative Institute for System Level Integration is trying to capture the younger generation through a workshop for physics teachers. The workshop is part of a pioneering summer school held by the Institute of Physics and Edinburgh University.

Steve Beaumont, ISLI director, hosted a meeting with the National Microelectronics Institute, Scottish Enterprise, Atmel and Tality to flag up job opportunities available in high-level electronic design and manufacture.

Professor Beaumont said: "We at the institute are very keen to work at all levels of the skills pipeline.

"It's important for us to work with those in schools as they are responsible for the engineers of the future."

He added: "We are working with a number of groups on a strategy to ensure that training at all levels fits into a seamless framework, leading the individual to higher achievements."

Professor Beaumont said that traditional institutions such as the ISLI had been interested only in graduates who would move on to further qualifications.

"We believe that Scotland has the opportunity to be a powerhouse for the higher end of electronics, but that we can only achieve this by working together to ensure that our young people can continue with their training to the utmost of their ability," Professor Beaumont said.