New science centre given the royal seal of approval

THE Duke of York spoke of the benefits of engineers and academics working closely together as he officially opened Strathclyde University's new multi-million-pound research centre that will develop cutting-edge techniques for the aerospace industry.

Based at Inchinnan in Renfrewshire, the Advance Forming Research Centre is a collaboration between the university, Scottish Enterprise and engineering companies.

Unveiling a plaque to mark the official opening of the building, Prince Andrew said: "It is a great pleasure to be with you today and what is particularly encouraging for me is to see the co-ordination between industry and academia.

"You are able to take up that challenge and deliver not only in the UK but globally. You have the industrial capability but also the academic and intellectual capability."