8 October 2004
New Engineering research centre opens
Photo opportunity 1.25pm, Friday 8 October, Civil Engineering Research Laboratories, Small's Wynd,
Dundee.
A new centre which will research prevention of landslips and establish the best procedures for the
construction industry, one of the largest industries in the UK, is opening at the University of Dundee on
Friday 8 October.
Nigel Griffiths MP will open the new £1.25 million Civil Engineering Research Laboratories with a
ceremonial ribbon cutting watched by University Principal Sir Alan Langlands and representatives of the
construction industry. Mr Griffiths is a minister in the Department of Trade and Industry with
responsibility for construction, enterprise and small business.
Unique to the new research centre will be the only office outside London for CIRIA - an umbrella
organisation for the construction industry with major influence in the construction sector. Their move is
being supported by Scottish Enterprise Tayside and is taking place during National Construction Week
(6-13 October).
A new centrifuge in the centre will allow researchers to test new technologies to prevent landslips like
the one on the A9 last month. These include strengthening slopes using "soil nails" and developing
techniques to allow reliable prediction of the stabilising effect of vegetation of slopes.
The new Civil Engineering Research Laboratories provides both a physical link between teaching and
research and brings together the new generations of civil engineers and researchers. The overarching aim
is to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop an innovative and enterprising outlook and the
skills and confidence that makes Scottish civil engineers world leaders.
"Construction currently accounts for 8-10% of our GDP" says Rod Jones, Head of Civil Engineering at the
University. And with the public sector as its biggest client, it is the leading force to regenerate the
Scottish economy. It is vital that we train our future leaders in construction in best practice and
sustainable building. Construction is the leading force to regenerate the Scottish economy.
The £1.25 million project has been funded by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council.
Professor Michael Davies, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences said: "The opening of
our new research laboratories and the decision by CIRIA to base their UK operation outside London at the
University of Dundee is proof of the strength and quality of our engineering research. We are leading the
way in serving the construction industry and, in addition to our internationally recognised technical
research, we want to contribute to the work of the Scottish Executive's new Scottish Centre for
Construction, Innovation and Excellence."
Professor Tim Broyd, Chief Executive of CIRIA said: "I am delighted to be able to launch our CIRIA
Scottish office and I would particularly like to thank the University of Dundee and Scottish Enterprise
for their encouragement and support. CIRIA already has many members in Scotland. I am confident that the
new office will allow us to respond more quickly to the needs of the Scottish construction industry and
to develop our activities in the region still further."
Shona Cormack, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Tayside said: "CIRIA made a conscious decision to
base their first office outside of London in Dundee because of the region's strong construction and
engineering research credentials. This move both validates and boosts Tayside world class reputation as a
centre of excellence."
By Jenny Marra, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk | 
