The Institute of Photonics' remit is to "bridge the gap between academia and industry in photonics research". The activities which we are involved in are varied, but have a common theme in that they all sit somewhere in the continuum between pure academic research and full commercial application or exploitation of research. We view all of our activities as being different aspects of the knowledge transfer process.

Our portfolio of activities is summarised below; the work of each of our Research Teams, presented by technical area, encompasses a range of these activities.

• Strategic research: Highly focused development-oriented research programmes are the foundation of much of the Institute's activities. Through this mechanism we can participate in national research infrastructure programmes (eg Joint Infrastructure Fund, SFC Strategic Research Development Grant) and national and international research programmes, including European collaborative programmes (eg UK EPSRC, European Brite-Euram and Framework 7).
• Industrial contracts: We seek to establish on-going relationships with companies, providing research capabilities which both complement and supplement their internal research activities, and hence enhance business performance. Work with industrial partners can be as a part of a long term relationship or on an individual research contract basis. Industrial partners can also participate through involvement in publicly-funded research projects.
• Consultancy: We also offer shorter-term technical support. The scope of this includes laboratory and/or desk based work with projects lasting between a few weeks and a few months. Very often this type of project is undertaken as an introduction to a more extensive research programme.
• Intellectual property: The development, management and exploitation of intellectual property is an essential component of the Institute's activities. The Institute has established an IP portfolio which comprises know-how, design and patent applications across the range of research and technology areas in which we are involved. To support this area of activity, we utilise specialist expertise available within the University of Strathclyde and external IP specialists.
• Knowledge transfer: The generation of new ventures is an important mechanism for converting academic research into commercial activity. The Institute contributes to the process in a number of ways. One route for IP exploitation is through spin-out ventures and we are alert to supporting spin-out opportunities which may arise in the course of other activities. The Institute can also act as a "soft-start" mechanism for researchers or entrepreneurs seeking to develop business ideas in photonics, for example through acting as a host for Entrepreneurship Fellows, a scheme operated by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In additon, we are pleased to discuss opportunities for exploitation of IP, which may be through licencing or equity.