Cutting edge technology that will allow oil and gas companies to explore even deeper oceans along with expertise that could enable them to discover fresh fields will be unveiled today at a major public event.
Renewables know how and technology that uses sunlight to clean dirty water while simultaneously generating electricity will also be highlighted on June 14's Open for Business – a showcase of the University of Aberdeen's world class portfolio of commercially focused research activity.
Visitors will be able to see a pioneering device that controls the buoyancy of underwater vehicles -– to greatly enhance their capabilities.
A brand new battery that could act as a backup to cables required to operate subsea electrical equipment will be on display, as well as details about an innovative environmental platform developed by the University's Oceanlab for oil giant BP.
There will be talks from legal and financial experts as well presentations on how industry can benefit from academic expertise through link ups called Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.
On the medical and healthcare front, guests will hear how cannabis research could result in better drugs for key diseases; how the study of sea sponges could lead to more effective drug delivery in the body; find out about a new natural mosquito and midge repellent; get more information on the latest research into autism and also see a revolutionary tool for the assessment of children with developmental conditions including autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, general learning disability and developmental coordination disorder.
Open for Business is the first event of its scale to be staged by the University and the hope is it yields even more partnerships and collaborations with industry. Some of the participating academics already have strong links with commerce.
Professor Dominic Houlihan, University Vice-Principal for Research and Commercialisation, said: "Open for Business will offer opportunities for new collaboration in the major industry sectors of medicine and health care, renewable energy and oil and gas.
"This really is a flagship event and we certainly hope it will lead to new link ups between the University of Aberdeen and industry.
"Open for Business is also the first of a multi-pronged strategy to consolidate the University of Aberdeen's reputation as a hub of innovation and discoveries.
"On the same day we will announce details of a high end glossy business magazine produced by the University that very much captures the entrepreneurial spirit that we strongly encourage here.
"Open for Business will also be the conclusion of our Blue Skies Thinking competition where budding entrepreneurs were challenged to pitch their business ideas to a Dragon's Den style panel.
"We will announce the names of the postgraduate student and the member of staff whose big ideas convinced us to part with cash and provide business advice should they wish to take their ideas to the marketplace.
"Open for Business is the launch pad for all of this and we certainly hope representatives of all industries come along and find out about the University's groundbreaking technologies."
Open for Business takes place at King's College between 12 noon and 5.15pm on June 14. The event features demonstrations, exhibitions and short 15 minute talks from researchers involved in research with commercial potential.
For more information see: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/innovate/