The Open University and e2v celebrate the opening of the e2v Centre for Electronic Imaging

On Monday 16th November 2009 over 80 top level representatives from the academic and business communities gathered at The Open University’s Milton Keynes campus to celebrate the opening of the e2v centre for electronic imaging (CEI).  The group listened to keynote speakers including Mr Martin Ditter, Head of ESA Harwell Centre and Professor Sir Martin Sweeting, Chairman of SSTL, cover topics including space science, the e2v CEI and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

Now based at the University’s Milton Keynes campus, the e2v CEI is a collaboration between The Open University and e2v, a leading developer and manufacturer of specialised components and sub-systems.  The centre is dedicated to the research and development of advanced technologies for electronic image sensing and provides knowledge exchange between the UK technology industry and the academic world. The collaboration will see The Open University and e2v investing £3m in the UK knowledge economy over five years in new research activity through the e2v CEI.  The collaboration underlines the commitment of e2v to the continuing support of the professional markets for very high performance image sensor technology for the worlds most demanding applications.

Dr. Trevor Cross, Group Chief Technology Officer for e2v said, ‘We are excited to be working with the Open University and Professor Holland, strengthening and evolving the e2v CEI. The CEI helps e2v deliver world class innovation in imaging technology for Space science missions such as XMM, Envisat and GAIA for ESA, and the Hubble Space Telescope for NASA.  As the CEI team grows we hope to include imaging research outside the current space focus”. Adding “we have been very impressed by the research base at the OU and look forward to a long relationship here"

Professor Holland, Director of the e2v CEI added, ‘”This leading academic centre really benefits from association with an acknowledged world class imaging business like e2v through access to latest new product technologies and facilities.  We are particularly pleased that research student numbers are increasing and we can announce that we are now recruiting for a further two 5-year research Fellowships to start early in 2010 to expand the core capabilities of the research centre.”

Speakers on the day (left to right); Prof. Andrew Holland (Director of the CEI, The Open University), Dr. David Burt (Chief Engineer of imaging, e2v), Prof. Brigid Heywood (Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Enterprise, The Open University). Prof. Sir Martin Sweeting (Chairman of SSTL), Mr Martin Ditter (Head of ESA Harwell Centre), Prof. John Zarnecki (Professor of Planetary Sciences, The Open University), Dr. Trevor Cross (Group Chief Technology Officer, e2v)
 

Media contacts:
e2v:
Jessica Broom
jessica.broom@e2v.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1245 453 607

The Open University:
press-office@open.ac.uk

 
NOTES FOR EDITORS:

e2v

e2v’s objective is to be a global leader in the design and supply of specialised components and sub-systems that enable the world’s leading systems companies to deliver innovative solutions for medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets. 

e2v is organised into four divisions:

• High performance electron devices and subsystems for applications including: defence electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment, radar systems, industrial heating, satellite communications amplifiers, digital television transmitters and high power RF systems.
• Advanced CCD and CMOS imaging sensors and cameras for applications including: space, science and life science imaging, industrial process control, intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray systems and military surveillance.
• Specialist semiconductors, including logic, memory and microprocessors (in partnership with Freescale Semiconductor) for: high reliability mission-critical programmes in avionics, telecommunications and defence, sensor data acquisition, and high speed data conversion.
• A range of professional sensing products for applications including: environmental safety, x-ray spectroscopy, automotive alarm and security systems, microwave radar and safety and arming devices, fire rescue and security thermal imaging.

For the year ended 31 March 2009, e2v achieved sales of £233m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.  In October 2008 e2v acquired QP semiconductor, a leading US-based designer and supplier of specialty semiconductor components used in military and aerospace applications, establishing e2v’s first US manufacturing base.

The Company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has approximately 1700 employees in six production facilities across Europe and North America. e2v also operates a global network of sales and technical support offices, supported by local distributors and resellers.

Further information is available from www.e2v.com

About The Open University

2009 is the 40th anniversary year of The Open University.

The Open University (OU) is the United Kingdom's largest university and the world leader in distance education.  More than two million people have studied with the OU since it began in 1969.  The OU has more than 200,000 students in over 40 countries studying for a variety of degrees and vocational qualifications ranging from short courses to PhDs.

Independent authorities have consistently ranked the OU in the top five UK universities for teaching quality and virtually all of the University’s research areas have received ratings of national or international excellence.  OU students are more impressed with the quality of their courses and the support received than those at any other UK university, based on the findings of the National Student Survey. The OU has been at the top of the rankings every year since the survey began in 2005.

E-learning – making intelligent use of media such as computer conferencing, email, CD-Roms, DVDs, the internet and of course, television and radio programmes – has always formed a major part of the OU’s courses and student support services, and the OU is regarded as Britain’s major e-learning institution.