New laser teaching laboratory

The new laboratory, part of the Department's Laser Group, which is the UK's largest centre for research into material processing by laser, will be an important resource for the development of laser-based industries on Merseyside. It will be used for teaching postgraduate students following full-time courses in laser engineering, and by employees of Merseyside companies, following short courses on specific aspects of laser engineering. It will complement the Laser Group's research laboratory which was opened in 1989.

The teaching laboratory has been funded in part by the European Community's European Regional Development Fund, through the Objective 1 Merseyside 2000 initiative as part of the coordinated programme 'Laser Engineering Innovation for Merseyside Industry'.

Professor Bill Steen, Head of the Laser Group at the University, said: 'We want to make Merseyside a centre of excellence in laser engineering and the new teaching laboratory is an important addition to our facilities. It will give Merseyside companies the opportunity to have their own engineers trained in the use of lasers as well as providing the very best facilities for the University's own laser engineering students, who will in due course provide a resource for Merseyside employers'.

Mr Taylor unveiled a commemorative plaque which was laser-marked in the new laboratory. He also toured the laboratory and saw demonstrations of the many uses of lasers in industry.