The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
University launches new £5.5m gaming and cyber-security hub
Abertay reinforces its ‘commitment to excellence in sector’
A new £5.5 million videogames and cyber-security centre will keep Abertay University “at the cusp of new and emerging technologies”.
Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay opened the School of Design and Informatics yesterday, hailing it as an “important investment in Scotland’s future”.
At the heart of the new facility is an emergent technology centre, which includes a development studio for experimental games design and hacking projects and visual design studio for digital arts research.
It also has a lab for experimentation with virtual reality, motion tracking and augmented reality projects.
Professor Gregor White, dean of the School of Design and Informatics, said: “This incredible new space indicates the strength of Abertay’s commitment to excellence in the tech sector, providing a first-rate learning environment for our students and top-class research space for our academics.
“Our distinguished track record in games and cyber education means we attract some of the world’s best student and academic talent, so, as an institution, it’s important we stay right on the cusp of new and emerging technologies.
“This investment will allow us to do just that.”
The new facilities will allow staff and students to engage with product prototyping, using rapid manufacturing technologies. It will also focus on Internet of Things and 5G initiatives.
The university’s long-standing relationship with Sony Interactive Entertainment will continue, with PlayStation development tools to be used within the labs.
Abertay funded the majority of the project from its capital budget.
A Scottish Funding Council interestfree loan contributed towards green measures, including solar roof panels.
The opening of the new school adds further weight to Dundee’s tech cluster.
Abertay already leads the £11.5m InGAME research and development project based at the Vision Building and the £11.7m cyberQuarter project, an academic and industry collaboration to be funded through the Tay Cities Deal.
Mr Mackay said: “The video games and cyber-security industries are two international sectors which have enormous potential for growth, so it is great to see universities like Abertay playing a key role and ensuring Scotland is able to take full advantage of that.”