UA, Canon sign agreement for joint digital photography, medical imaging research
Summary:
The optical-sciences expertise at the University of Arizona has attracted the attention--and the dollars--of one of the world's best-known imaging brands, Canon USA Inc. Canon and UA have agreed to establish a collaborative research-and-development operation in digital photography and medical imaging, which will be funded by an initial $3 million research grant from Canon.
Full Story:
The optical-sciences expertise at the University of Arizona has attracted the attention--and the dollars--of one of the world's best-known imaging brands, Canon USA Inc.
Canon and UA have agreed to establish a collaborative research-and-development operation at UA's Science and Technology Park, where an initial team of seven staff from Canon will work with up to 15 UA faculty and another 15 graduate students on projects in digital photography and medical imaging. Canon is contributing an initial $3 million research grant to launch the endeavor.
"This relationship provides an excellent example of how industry and universities can work together to solve complex challenges in the development of tomorrow's optical technologies," said James Wyant, dean of the UA College of Optical Sciences.
The research collaboration, discussed at last month's meeting of the Arizona Board of Regents, will encompass an initial set of nine projects, conducted over 18 to 24 months.
"We are proud to work with the UA to develop new optical technologies and applications that will advance the industry, and further Canon's legacy as a leading innovator of optical imaging," said Shunichi Uzawa, executive vice president and chief technology officer for Canon's Research and Development Division.
UA educates more students in optical sciences than any other university in the country, and the College of Optical Sciences boasts three Nobel laureates among its faculty.
"It's nice to be recognized that the research capabilities are here," said Suzanne Gerdes, co-chair of the Arizona Optics Industry Association, in the Arizona Daily Star.
The collaboration with UA represents Canon's second foray into Arizona's university system. A year ago, Canon became one of the early tenants at Arizona State University's mixed-use center in Scottsdale, SkySong, which has attracted numerous U.S. and international technology-based companies interested in interfacing with university researchers. Canon maintains office space and a demonstration/showroom area at SkySong.
For more information:
"Canon links with UA, looks to tech park", Arizona Daily Star, 08/28/2008
UA news release, 09/08/2008
ASU news release, 08/22/2007