LONDON—A consortium of four universities and three polytechnics in northwest England will host a new think tank aimed at improving Britain's ability to exploit its scientific research and development. The Centre for Exploitation of Science and Technology (CEST), funded by the government and private industry, is expected to remain independent of its academic hosts but conform to the standards of academe. Based in Manchester, it will maintain close links with all consortium members.
CEST was conceived two years ago when a government study of Britain’s ability to exploit R&D revealed too little interaction between industry and the scientific community. The think tank is an attempt to improve industry’s awareness and understanding of advances in science and technology. Nineteen universities were invited to bid for CEST. “Our task is to encourage research in promising aspects of new technology where there are commercial opportunities which can be exploited for national benefit,” said ...
