SEPNET Ltd

About SEPNET

Originally conceived as the South East Photonics Network, SEPNET was first established in 1999 with support from a dti training project. Until 2001 SEPNET organised regular and popular meetings attracting interest from over 150 companies, with regular participation from across the South of England. During the telecommunication downturn in 2001 SEPNET discontinued activities recognising the uncertainties associated with the decline of this previously dominate sector of photonics.

In 2007 SEPNET was re-established with support of the Photonics Knowledge Transfer Network (now past of the ESP KTN).  Regional support networks are a key element of the knowledge transfer networks which are now supported by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB). With one of the highest density of photonics companies in Europe and some of the world's leading academic institutes, the South of the UK is an international hub of creativity in the application of light to a vast range of applications. Between 2008 and 2011 SEPNET has received significant support from SEEDA under the Knowledge transfer fellowship program and the knowledge network program.

Since 2007 SEPNET has run approximately quarterly meetings covering topics from Photovoltaics, and telecommunications to lighting and photonics in medical diagnostics.  Many of these meetings have been partially supported by the Knowledge Transfer Networks and other collaborators.  We aim to continue to provide an event program that is relevant to local business and academia as well as addressing the Grand Challenges identified by the Technology Strategy Board.

SEPNET has always had significant participation from photonics organisations based in the South West of England and organised events across the South West from 2009.  The increased participation of the South West was fully recognised in 2010 by adoption the South of England Photonics Network as the fully expanded name for SEPNET.

Many of Southern England’s photonic organisations are already successful on the international stage, yet there are many opportunities to leverage our collective knowledge and uncover more applications. SEPNET aims to increase awareness of the capabilities of the region, foster collaborations both within and outside the photonics industry and assist in access to support funding. The objective is to add further value to the local photonics industry and ensure our continued leadership in this area into the future.

We recognised that members time is valuable and that travel across the full width of the region from Kent to Cornwall can be difficult. SEPNET therefore aims to hold events at locations distributed across the region.  Where possible events will be hosted by local companies, and we would like to hear from you if you would be willing to host an event.

SEPNETs day to day activities are managed on a part time basis by Dr John Lincoln (Harlin Ltd) (with focus on the South East and overall coordination) and Dr James Regan (Isca Photonics)  with focus on the South West area. Strategic direction is provided by members, a representative steering committee, and SEPNET directors Prof David Payne and Dr Mike Philips.

Further details on SEPNET membership, our membership charter and privacy policy are available.

SEPNET's main objectives are to:-

Prof David Payne, Dr Mike Philips,  SEPNET directors

Please sign up to our mailing list to be kept informed of future activities and events.

SEPNET is registered as a limited company # 4223669 at 2 Venture Rd, Chilworth Science Park, Southampton, SO16 7NP. 

Members Charter |  Privacy Policy | Web design by Harlin Ltd 2009