(L to r): Marc Fleming, Fife College, Amanda Pickford, ThermaFY Ltd, Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, Erik Rouk, Marks & Clerk (sponsor) are pictured at the recent Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.
An innovative partnership project between Fife College and ThermaFY was highly commended at the recent Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards.
ThermaFY Ltd, based in Kelso, collaborated with the College to test and improve the company's thermal imaging software which, when combined with a new online, mobile-first training package, can now be used by heating engineers, surveyors and others.
The product uses thermal images to assess properties without the need for invasive methods, helping to inform decisions on allocation of resources, saving money for customers and reducing carbon emissions.
The initiative offered the College an opportunity to engage in applied research allowing lecturers to gain knowledge of a new industry concept. This knowledge has now been passed to apprentices and students who have been able to improve their digital skills.
Marc Fleming, Academic and Quality Manager for Construction Crafts, Built Environment Engineering and Technology at Fife College, said:
“We were delighted to be highly commended for our partnership work with ThermaFY at such a prestigious award ceremony. This innovative partnership has allowed the College to engage in applied research, equipping our curriculum staff with new knowledge. It’s great to see the knowledge and skills of our lecturing staff, in this case, Peter Jones, playing it’s part in such a sector leading academic and industry focussed initiative.
"This knowledge is now being passed to our students and apprentices, improving their digital skills and giving them the confidence to make positive change in the wider sector.”
Over 150 people came together for the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on Thursday, 27 February, celebrating the local and global impacts achieved for society and the economy through R&D partnership and knowledge sharing between businesses, colleges, universities and research institutes.
The winners were chosen by a specially selected panel of judges who were looking for academic-business collaborative projects that demonstrated innovation and transformation, as well as individuals who go above and beyond in their contribution to knowledge exchange.
Dr Siobhán Jordan, Director of Interface, said:“I always really enjoy the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards which are now in their fifth year. Not only do we celebrate the achievements of the businesses we’ve helped match with academic expertise, this unique ceremony showcases the immense talent and expertise in colleges and universities working with industry, which enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation.”
“The pioneering individuals and R&D partnerships recognised at the Awards have brought huge benefits and impacts which ripple locally, regionally and globally to truly drive industry-led innovation.”
Ivan McKee, MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, presented the awards. He said:"I’d like to congratulate all the nominees and winners who have been recognised for their outstanding work at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards."
“Not only do these awards celebrate activities and projects happening all over Scotland, they bring people together and create new collaborations and partnerships. Their innovation plays a crucial role in boosting productivity and creating sustainable economic growth for the country.”
For more information about Engineering and Energy courses at Fife College visit our course pages.
