Research funding to provide free photonics advice to England's West Midland-based businesses has been granted by Aston University and the European Regional Development Fund. The £1.1million (more than $1.6 million) in funds will offer opportunities for businesses to access free consultancy from the university’s Photonics Research team. Photonics covers a huge range of science and technology applications based on the use of light particles, which is why Sergei Turitsyn from Aston’s Photonics Research team believes that providing business with free consultancy, assistance and opportunities for knowledge collaboration will help companies improve their current photonics technologies. “Universities work hard to make themselves accessible and useful to business, and this scheme will provide practical information and innovative ideas for companies to enhance or even replace their existing technologies,” said Turitsyn. Industry areas identified by Aston’s research team as benefiting from photonics advice and business assistance include the aerospace industry, companies using automotive, building or environmental technologies, food and drink companies, ICT, medical technologies, rail and the tourist and leisure industry. This project is backed by The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Birmingham Science City and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. For more information, visit: www.aston.ac.uk