As our Centre marks its 25th anniversary, we are proud to honour the long‑standing industrial partnerships that have shaped our research community. Every one of our students is supported by industry and undertakes research that is firmly rooted in real‑world challenges and meaningful innovation.

Today we celebrate our partnership with the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fraunhofer CAP), the UK’s leading applied photonics research centre. Fraunhofer CAP specialises in lasers, optical systems, and quantum technologies that address real‑world industrial challenges. It delivers industry‑driven research, develops prototype systems, and supports sectors ranging from space and defence to healthcare and renewable energy.

Working with Fraunhofer CAP gives our students the opportunity to thrive in a world‑class, research environment at the heart of Glasgow’s innovation district. They learn alongside a talented international team, benefiting from collaboration across projects and disciplines, while also gaining valuable commercial experience. Through exposure to industry partners and innovation programmes, our students develop skills in business development, leadership, and the wider commercialisation process, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in both research and industry

Our partnership with Fraunhofer CAP began in 2013, and since then we have had 18 students supported through this collaboration. We are delighted that many of them have gone on to join Fraunhofer CAP as employees, with some progressing to become industrial supervisors for our current students.