AAFT’s research has an important role to play in fostering innovation, supporting social and economic development and contributing to improvements in health and quality of life.

We seek out new knowledge and understanding and work to ensure that it is applied for the wider benefit of society in collaboration with our numerous partners, including local companies and multi-national corporations; government and international agencies and numerous other bodies world-wide.

Commissioned research, collaborative projects, the provision of consultancy and continued professional development, and the making available of sophisticated equipment and specialist skills are just some of the ways in which University expertise is contributes to improving the competitiveness, productivity and success of industry and commerce.

Technology transfer, which includes: patenting and licensing agreements which make available new products and processes to companies; and the establishment of joint ventures and new companies, is an important aspect of this activity.

AAFT’s Innovation Network is an initiative which is recognised as a major benefit to small and medium size companies throughout the region, making available dedicated help and solutions and providing a valuable network for business collaboration.

The Innovation Network is operated by the Univerisity's Research and Commercial Division, which provides both a responsive and proactive focus for our relations with research collaborators of all types.  The links on this page provide some illustrative examples of our work in this area.