CENSIS Full of Energy with Double Subsea Appointment
Ocean News
CENSIS, the Scottish Innovation Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems, has ramped up its technical offering for the subsea, offshore and marine sectors with the appointment of two industry experts.
Dr. Graham Kerr has joined CENSIS as its Technical Director, while Leo Meng has been recruited as an Embedded Systems Engineer.
L-R: Dr. Graham Kerr and Leo Meng. Photo credit: CENSIS
With over 20 years’ experience in new product development and engineering management, Dr. Kerr arrives from FMC Technologies, where he managed the optoelectronics research and development (R&D) team. In this role, he developed advanced sensor solutions for the oil and gas industry and collaborated with a number of universities on technology development.
Dr. Kerr has also spent time in technology development with some of Scotland’s most high-profile engineering businesses, including Babcock Energy and Motorola. During his post-doctoral research at the University of Glasgow, he worked on ultra-sensitive laser interferometers for gravitational wave detection.
Meanwhile, Leo has more than six years’ experience in academic and oil and gas industry R&D, most recently working with Aker Solutions as a Wireless Systems Engineer. He has particular expertise and experience in condition monitoring, acoustics and wireless communication.
Prior to his position with Aker, Leo spent three years researching wireless sensor networks at the University of Strathclyde. His specialities included distributed data processing and electronic system design.
Ian Reid, Chief Executive of CENSIS, said: “The subsea industry continues to go through a challenging time, but the opportunities for innovation have seldom been better. The research groups available to the North Sea are global leaders in their fields, with expertise ranging from ultrasonic engineering all the way through to nanoscale engineering.
“In Graham and Leo we have two experts who understand the industry, the problems it faces, and the technology that can help drive efficiency. They are a great addition to our subsea and offshore specialist, Dr Rachael Wakefield, and we’re thrilled to have them on board.”
Dr. Graham Kerr added: “The sensor and imaging system (SIS) market is growing from strength to strength in Scotland. It’s an exciting time to join CENSIS and work with sectors such as the subsea industry to solve many of their current challenges. Technology has a big role to play in helping the entire supply chain adapt to the current environment.”
Leo Meng commented: “I strongly believe there are big opportunities to cut costs in the subsea industry through the further adoption of smart processes and SIS technology. I look forward to working with the energy firms CENSIS is already assisting, as well as others in the months and years ahead.”
1. About CENSIS
CENSIS is the Scottish Centre for Sensors and Imaging Systems, which aims to bring together commercial innovation and academic research, to drive economic activity in Scotland. Established in April 2013 with an initial £10 million funding, it expects to deliver 150 collaborative R&D projects and assist Scotland’s 170 companies in the industry which, between them, contribute £2.6 billion to the economy. It is funded by the Scottish Funding Council, with additional support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
2. About Innovation Centres
The Innovation Centres, which were launched in 2014 and in the latter part of 2013, sit within the construction industry, oil and gas, stratified medicine, digital health, industrial bio-tech, and sensors and imaging. Each Centre aims to establish bonds between Scotland’s universities and their respective industry sectors, translating the knowledge and expertise into commercially viable products and companies to benefit the country’s economy.
