Eurocities Knowledge Society Forum Visits University of Ulster

Wednesday 27th of June 2012

Delegates from across Europe meet in Belfast this week for a major conference to promote the city as a trailblazer of technological excellence.

The Eurocities Knowledge Society Forum`s (KSF) Summer Conference, organised by Belfast City Council, looked at the significant role of the city`s cyber security infrastructure in transforming it to compete economically with others across the world.

As part of the conference the EU delegates from countries including Belgium, Austria, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia and the UK visited the University of Ulster, Belfast Campus, as part of their two-day trip to the city.

During their visit the business leaders heard about the pioneering research taking place at the University’s Intelligent Systems Research Centre from its Head of Business Development, Peter Devine.  Conann Fitzpatrick, School of Art and Design gave the delegation an in-depth briefing on the state-of-the-art Computer Animation Research Laboratory opened in August 2011 at the Belfast campus.

Headed up by internationally renowned animator Professor Greg Maguire, the purpose built facility has allowed the University to provide specialised courses in various aspects of animation and gives students the opportunity to work with high end software not previously available in Northern Ireland.

Director of Innovation, Timothy Brundle said: “The University of Ulster welcomes this visit by key business personnel from across Europe.   This meeting has provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the ground-breaking research being undertaken at the University of Ulster as well as providing a platform for a meaningful exchange of learning and networking.

We look forward to exploring the potential for future joint working and collaboration in this field in the near future.”