The Nimbus Research Centre, based at MTU’s Bishopstown campus in Cork, has announced the launch of its state-of-the-art research & innovation facility, designed to accelerate advances in human-centred digital technologies.
This facility features dedicated spaces for systems prototyping, extended reality research and cybersecurity, providing an immersive environment for researchers, students, and collaborators, including industry and civil society.
L-R: MTU innovation and enterprise manager, Josette O'Mullane; MTU VP of research Hugh McGlynn; Nimbus centre director Dr Susan Rea; Nimbus technology gateway manager Brian Cahill; cyberskills manager Jacqueline Kehoe; and Nimbus research director, Dr Alan McGibney. Photo: David Creedon.
The development of this facility was supported by MTU and through a strategic partnership between the Nimbus Research Centre and Cyber Explore Research Group, and was supported by Cyber Innovate, co-funded by the government and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
The Nimbus Research Centre is a leading hub for research in digital technologies, including future networks; trusted digital ecosystems; human centred design; data analytics; virtual worlds and cybersecurity.
Delivering impactful research
With a focus on delivering impactful research and collaborating with industry leaders, Nimbus is at the forefront of technological advancement nationally and globally.
The new lab represents Nimbus and MTU’s continued commitment to fostering excellence in technology and digital innovation and will position MTU as a leader in the digital landscape and a key player in the development of Ireland’s digital economy.
The Systems Prototyping lab which focuses on resilient cyber-physical systems (CPS) is a cutting-edge facility designed to research, develop, and prototype end-to-end CPS solutions.
It integrates capabilities across hardware, firmware, software, communications, networking, and end-user applications to create robust and reliable systems.
The lab leverages advanced tools and methodologies to address challenges in the co-design of physical and computational elements, ensuring seamless interaction and optimal performance aligned with industry standards and needs.
The Extended Reality Innovation Suite consists of the latest virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies to support and grow our innovation capacity and service the needs of Industry.
Nimbus takes a collaborative and co-creative approach with industry clients and research partners, creatively exploring, designing, developing, and testing the latest advancements in virtual worlds.
Immersive extended reality experiences can be custom designed, developed, and built by our multidisciplinary team (VR/AR/MR developers, UX researchers, multimedia designers, software developers, systems integrators) based upon requirements.
In response to the growing global demand for robust cybersecurity solutions, the Cybersecurity Prototyping Lab features cutting-edge cyber range infrastructure comprised of advanced tools and technologies.
This supports research into next-generation security solutions, threat management, and digital resilience, addressing the increasingly complex challenges faced by businesses, governments, and individuals in safeguarding their digital assets.
The launch of the Nimbus Research & Innovation Facility in partnership with Cyber Explore is part of MTU’s ongoing effort to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.
Collaborate with industry partners
This facility will provide a dynamic environment where researchers can collaborate with industry partners to accelerate the development of new technologies and solutions. MTU has already established strong connections with leading tech companies, government agencies, and research organisations, and the lab will serve as a vital hub for these partnerships.
Professor Maggie Cusack, president of MTU, said: "We are delighted to officially open the Nimbus Research & Innovation Facility. This will be hugely beneficial for both our research community and industry partners locally, nationally and internationally.
"This new facility will greatly enhance research and innovation in a number of emerging sectors and help place MTU, the southwest and Ireland at the forefront of digital technologies.”
Professor Hugh McGlynn, VP for research & innovation, said: “The fusion of human centricity and advanced technology development highlights our dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital innovation and empowering the next generation of researchers with the skills and technologies essential for success in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
For more information on the Nimbus Research Centre, please visit www.nimbuscentre.ie