Nokia Investigating Nanotechnology

Nokia has teamed up with the UK's University of Cambridge to jointly research nanotechnologies which could be used in future telecoms systems.Nokia Research Center (NRC) will collaborate with several University departments - initially the Nanoscience Centre and the Electrical Division of Engineering - on projects that, to begin with, will be centred on nanotechnology.

Commenting on the agreement, Professor Ian Leslie, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University, said: "This collaboration both recognises and enhances Cambridge's global reputation for excellence in science and technology research. One of the greatest advantages to the University is the opportunity to work closely with a recognised worldwide leader in technology products and applications on 'real world' challenges and initiatives."

Nokia will initially base around ten people at Cambridge. The agreement is intended to be long-term and the number of Nokia researchers at the University is set to rise over time.

Cambridge is widely seen as a leader in nanotechnology research with successes across the University in nanoelectronics, novel materials and coatings, biologically inspired nanostructures and advanced characterization tools.

Dr. Tapani Ryhanen heads Nokia global research in the nanotechnology area, and will lead Nokia's collaboration with Cambridge. He added: "Nanotechnology long ago left science fiction movies for the laboratory and, more recently, we saw the first commercial applications. The techniques we are developing really bring us a toolkit for working with the processes of nature at a very basic level - the level of molecules - in a safe and controlled way."

Posted to the site on 8th March 2007