More than 1000 BAE Systems engineers will be trained at the SEIC by end of 2005, offering a key role in supplying future requirements for systems engineers.

For the first time industry researchers and engineers are co-locating to be with their academic peers from Loughborough University.

The scale is unprecedented in terms of the numbers involved and the timescale of the commitment to systems engineering which combines disciplines such as mechanical, electrical and manufacturing engineering. It is anticipated that firms throughout the UK involved in industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, food and drink processing, medical technologies and clothing and textiles will benefit from the training and expertise this systems engineering centre will offer.

A recent DfES report predicted the demand for engineering professionals in the UK by the year 2010 to be in the order of 270,000. This translates to an annual requirement in excess of 45,000 engineers across the UK and all its regions.

The SEIC, housed at the University's Holywell Park facilities, will offer access to state of the art research facilities, synthetic environment laboratories, virtual engineering capabilities, office accommodation, conference facilities, a lecture theatre, exhibition area and a highly integrated communications infrastructure. These facilities will enable the SEIC to spearhead research and training and develop into the national resource for systems engineering in the UK. The Centre aims to attract top research scientists and engineers from both academia and industry who are keen to work together on the latest innovations in products, processes and services.

www.seic-loughborough.com