Belgian Research 2017_Mise en page 1 06/02/2017 09:35 Page134
An interview with Prof. Calogero CONTI, Rector of the University of Mons (UMONS)
© UMONS
How could research at UMONS get the most impact in society?
and 440 PhD students, are based on several laboratories from several faculties and cover all research aspects: from fundamental to applied researches. Each Research Institute works in close cooperation with the UMONS Technology and Transfer Office to promote valorization of results and the technology transfer to Industry and society. For example, we could mention close collaboration with local business clubs, competitiveness clusters through the Walloon Marshall Plan and events between companies and our research Institutes. The UMONS Technology and Transfer Office stimulates entrepreneurship by actively supporting the creation of spinoffs. In 2016, several spinoffs have been created, among which: - Hovertone, dedicated to interactive multimedia experiences; - B-Sens, aiming at the development of new sensors based on optical fibers for safety and health; - iTTENTION for the measure of visual impact of all graphic realizations (websites, folders, ads…).
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hat are Umons’s main strengths as regard to research? The University of Mons, including 7000 students and 1200 employees, actively participates in the public debate and interacts with the society through continuous dialogues and knowledge exchange, nationally and internationally. From 8 years ago, the University of MONS has clarified its research structure by creating and funding 10 research institutes. The motor of our reflection has been based essentially on a top research associated to a transdisciplinary level in growing, innovative and societal key domains such as Life sciences, Energy, Innovative materials, Digital Innovation, Human and societal development and Integrative medicine.
© UMONS
These 10 research institutes (Biosciences / Complexys / Energy / HumanOrg / InforTech / Materials / Numediart / Risks / Health / Language), including in 2016 a total of 700 researchers
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