Four new Fellows for Anglia Ruskin

Press release issued: 2 April 2007



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Four Anglia Ruskin University academics have recently received prestigious new business awards. The Fellowships are part of the London Technology Network (LTN) Business Fellowship scheme which is a regional scheme funded by the East of England Development Agency that fosters better links between business and universities.

Two academics are from the Faculty of Arts Law and Social Sciences: Dr Christine White, works in theatre design and Dr David Skinner is Principal Lecturer in Humanities and Social Science; while Dr Rajshree Mootanah works within Design and Technology and Dr Tim Rowsell is Senior Lecturer in Media and Internet Technology within the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Dr David Skinner, a Principal Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts Law and Social Sciences, was awarded the Business Fellowship because of his track-record of working with the private and public sector. He has previously delivered research and consultancy in partnership with organisations such as the Fire Service, Kodak and a major high street retailer.
Said Dr Skinner:

"I am delighted to have been given this role because it is an opportunity to build on the already excellent links that Arts, Law and Social Sciences has with business and the public sector. There are many benefits to be gained for all sides from business working with universities. Business can tap into the creativity, knowledge and expertise within the University. Just as importantly business-links enrich the student experience by ensuring that our courses continue to be cutting-edge and work-relevant."

LTN Business Fellows receive training, financial support for their work, and the opportunity to participate in regional events organised as part of the scheme.
Dr Skinner added:

"I have only been a Fellow since January but already it has given me the opportunity to build relationships with people from business and from other universities that I may never have met otherwise."

Dr Tim Rowsell lectures in a range of new media and technology subjects. He has managed his own consultancy company, is a founder member of the Central Innovation Network and is a former Head of Cambridge University Clinical School IT Support Service based at Addenbrooke's Hospital.

Dr Rajshree Mootanah is a post-doctoral research fellow in Bioengineering, with main interests in orthopaedics research - accurate 3D modelling and in vitro testing of reconstructed joints and bones, prevention of pressure ulcers and tissue engineering. She works closely with medical companies and hospitals to bring innovative engineering solutions to medical problems.

Dr Chris White is Principal Lecturer at the Cambridge School of Art. She is particularly interested in the Creative and Cultural Industries, specialising in Film, Television, Theatre Design and Fashion.
She said:

"This fellowship has provided an opportunity to discuss with colleagues ways in which their research and practice might be seen in other landscapes and environments. The ability to think laterally about the wealth of expertise and experience the university can offer is one of the most exciting areas of development.

"We are keen to develop interesting collaborations with small and medium sized enterprises whether they are related to the creative and cultural industries or whether they are looking for the kind of stimulus that creative researchers and practitioners might bring to their practices and processes."

Matt Schofield, Business Fellowship Programme Manager said:

"As companies realise the importance of external innovation, universities are becoming an increasingly vital source of ideas. Working with universities can help companies benefit from increased productivity, competitiveness and profit.

"It is for this reason that we are working with the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) to facilitate the flow of this knowledge into the commercial sector of the East through universities such as Anglia Ruskin.

"The Fellows chosen by Anglia Ruskin have already been involved with the introduction of a full stream of innovative products and services and path-breaking discoveries and will use their expertise for the benefit of future product and service development within the area."

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