EXCHANGE

Two Scottish government ministers announced boosts to Scottish jobs during two separate events hosted by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) on Tuesday (May 14).

Health Secretary Alex Neil revealed that 150 Ambulance Technicians are to start work across Scotland following a £6.8 million investment while deputy First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, unveiled plans for a £1.9 million funding package which will be used to develop new business facilities on Skye while supporting up to 80 new jobs.

Scotland’s economy grew by 0.5 per cent in the last quarter of 2012 according to latest official figures from the Office for National Statistics.

In its latest statistical update the ONS said the production sector grew by 1.1 per cent in the fourth quarter “primarily driven” by growth of 8.8 per cent in gas and electricity supply.

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EU Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has announced that “Horizon 2020″ is the winner of a vote to name the future EU-funding programme for research and innovation.

It is the name for the new, integrated funding system that will cover all research and innovation funding currently provided through the Framework Programme for Research and Technical Development, the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). These different types of funding will be brought together in a coherent and flexible manner.

It will enter into force in January 2014, after the end of FP7 on 31 Dec 2013.

GCU and AppleGreen Homes are working on a project which they hope will combat fuel poverty – low cost environmentally effective housing.

Eradicating fuel poverty by 2016 will be “extremely challenging” following energy price increases, the Scottish government has said.

The admission came from Infrastructure Secretary Alex Neil after three of the six biggest energy suppliers confirmed rises in electricity and gas prices. Scottish and Southern Energy, ScottishPower and British Gas have all announced big rises in recent weeks.

More from the BBC news site.

Take a look at our new videos on the Caledonian Applied Knowledge Exchange YouTube Channel.

From biomechanics research in our school of health, to a presentation from Marks & Spencer on its Plan A sustainability programme, to Social Enterprise at GCU, you can find a variety of content to browse.

Click here to visit our YouTube Channel.

You can check out the Applied Knowledge Exchange’s new YouTube channel which features videos from Glasgow Caledonian University’s recent events and conferences, including the ATA 2011 Telemedicine and Telehealth Meeting, our food and drink expertise, and our Social Enterprise activity.

Hope you like it and if you would like more details on anything, go to www.gcu.ac.uk/business

A project has been set up to showcase Scotland’s island culture and creativity. Marketing initiative Scotland’s Islands has invited bids for funding from organisers of food and drink-related community events. More information on the BBC news website.

Here at Glasgow Caledonian University, we are inviting Scotland’s food and drink companies to a free event giving them access to our food and drink sector experts. “Food for Thought” takes place on 23rd March. To register, go to www.gcufoodforthought.eventbrite.com

The new Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer’s Edition highlights the worlds’ finest gamers, including a lady with the highest score on Guitar Hero 3!

Take a look at Glasgow Caledonian University’s research into Music Games, through the School of Engineering and Computing.

Get in touch with the Applied Knowledge Exchange if your business is interested in this area on 0141 331 3189.

Applied Knowledge Exchange has launched its e-newsletter, which will inform our company clients and knowledge transfer partners about our activities.

To sign up to receive the newsletter, please email Fiona.Ramsay@gcu.ac.uk with your name and email address.

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