20/04/2004
£4.5m Queen's research centre 'tunes up' for opening
A major new Queen's University research centre which is helping Northern Ireland lead the world in the development of music technology will be officially opened on Wednesday.
The £4.5 million Sonic Arts Research Centre, with a 50-strong research team which unites internationally recognised experts in the fields of music, electronic engineering and computer science, is the only one of its type in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
And its new building in Cloreen Park is also the site of Belfast's newest and most futuristic performance venue - the Sonic Laboratory Concert Hall in which audiences can experience three-dimensional sound. The Centre's opening will be marked by a series of events, including a reception and performance on Wednesday night and the conferment on Thursday of an honorary degree on Professor Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of the most influential composers of the last 50 years.
Queen's Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir George Bain said: "'The Centre' work mirrors the level of global interest in the synergy between technology and creativity. The research councils are now targeting funding to accelerate collaborative research in these areas – areas in which SARC is already an international exemplar.
"The breath-taking speed at which the Centre has consolidated its academic reputation is mirrored by the pace at which its remarkable building has been developed."
The Centre was set up after Queen's won funding for its creation, along with three other projects, under the first phase of Northern Ireland's Support Programme for University Research (SPUR) initiative.
The funding was provided on a matching pound for pound basis with the Government and an American Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, providing up to £20m each.
(MB)
The £4.5 million Sonic Arts Research Centre, with a 50-strong research team which unites internationally recognised experts in the fields of music, electronic engineering and computer science, is the only one of its type in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
And its new building in Cloreen Park is also the site of Belfast's newest and most futuristic performance venue - the Sonic Laboratory Concert Hall in which audiences can experience three-dimensional sound. The Centre's opening will be marked by a series of events, including a reception and performance on Wednesday night and the conferment on Thursday of an honorary degree on Professor Karlheinz Stockhausen, one of the most influential composers of the last 50 years.
Queen's Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir George Bain said: "'The Centre' work mirrors the level of global interest in the synergy between technology and creativity. The research councils are now targeting funding to accelerate collaborative research in these areas – areas in which SARC is already an international exemplar.
"The breath-taking speed at which the Centre has consolidated its academic reputation is mirrored by the pace at which its remarkable building has been developed."
The Centre was set up after Queen's won funding for its creation, along with three other projects, under the first phase of Northern Ireland's Support Programme for University Research (SPUR) initiative.
The funding was provided on a matching pound for pound basis with the Government and an American Foundation, Atlantic Philanthropies, providing up to £20m each.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2004
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
NI Economic Research Institute swings into operation
The new Economic Research Institute will play an important role in contributing to economic debate and understanding in Northern Ireland and in the development of the local economy", according to Ian Pearson Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
28 October 2004
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
UU launches world-class researchers search
The University of Ulster has launched a campaign to attract world-class researchers to Northern Ireland as part of new research institute structures. The University is establishing 13 new research institutes as part of a strategic initiative to develop its position as a centre for outstanding research.
16 December 2003
Queen's University partner DTS in £1m sound contract
A £1 million partnership between Queen’s University’s Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) and world-leading Californian digital technology company DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.) has been announced in Belfast.
Queen's University partner DTS in £1m sound contract
A £1 million partnership between Queen’s University’s Sonic Arts Research Centre (SARC) and world-leading Californian digital technology company DTS (Digital Theater Systems, Inc.) has been announced in Belfast.
26 September 2003
Universities awarded £50 million research funding
Northern Ireland's two universities have been awarded £50 million to boost international research programs, it has been announced.
Universities awarded £50 million research funding
Northern Ireland's two universities have been awarded £50 million to boost international research programs, it has been announced.
28 September 2001
University of Ulster opens £2m Coleraine science park
The University of Ulster has opened the doors of a new £2 million Science Innovation Centre at its Coleraine campus. The investment, which will create up to 100 jobs, will offer facilities for new biotechnology companies formed through the University’s biomedical research work.
University of Ulster opens £2m Coleraine science park
The University of Ulster has opened the doors of a new £2 million Science Innovation Centre at its Coleraine campus. The investment, which will create up to 100 jobs, will offer facilities for new biotechnology companies formed through the University’s biomedical research work.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.