Liege has a long history in the field of science. Around the Liege University, founded by William of Orange in 1817, specific industrial activity has developed. On the Campus at Sart Tilman, research laboratories are working with the most modern applications of technology in a wide variety of sectors. All major trends in Research and Development are represented: There are applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, metal, aerospace, information technology, telecommunications and technological development.

And the University departments can rely on the full support of the community. There are public and private research centres constantly in search of new opportunities in science and technology, working with companies looking for new markets and seeking applications for public bodies. Over the past ten years, the Liege University has been a partner in 150 European research contracts with twenty-five of its departments making their mark on the international scene.

The Science Park gives R&D companies the best possible location in which new products, processes and technologies can be developed. Set in a quiet and wooded environment, it is fully equipped to ensure the highest efficiency. The Sart Tilman Science Park benefits from its proximity to the Liege University, which encourages co-operation between industrial and academic research. All exchanges take place effortlessly, since an integrated circuit ensures easy communication.

For further information, please contact Mr Michel Morant, Director Interface Enterprises-University, Tel: +32/4/349.85.12 and Fax: +32/4/349.85.20

Over 50 years technical advice and research capabilities at CRIF

The CRIF is a national collective research centre split into three major departments spread over Belgium. Its main office has been established at the Sart Tilman Science Park of Liege since 1947. The centre provides industrial sectors with technical advice and research capabilities with the objective of promoting the technological advance and competitiveness of the Belgian affiliated industrial members.

The centre has considerable know-how in critical areas fundamental to the support of industrial development efficiently. The Materials Engineering Department focuses on the different aspects of integration of advanced material capabilities in product development. This requires skilled manpower, high technology equipment and state of the art communication systems, such as video conferencing and the Intranet.

For further information, please contact Mr Guillaume Fryns, Executive Director of CRIF, Tel: +32/4/361.87.00 and Fax: +32/4/361.87.02

SOCRAN opens the way to international opportunities

The SOCRAN Programme is an instrument for the technological development of the Liege area. The Programme has considerable experience in the establishment, development and financing of enterprises and has developed its activities in conjunction with major innovative partners including SPI+, the Liege University, Meusinvest, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FOREM, Fabrimetal and others.

Through SOCRAN, Liege has been presented to the outside world as a rejuvenated and positive region. The tools are in place: A development centre, a training programme, different departments providing support to entrepreneurs and a devoted and very competent team. Through its membership of the EBN network and its participation in the Europartenariat programmes, the SOCRAN Programme has opened the way for companies in the Liege region to gain access to international markets and opportunities.

For further information, please contact Mr R. Frédéric, General Manager of SOCRAN, Tel: +32/4/367.83,11 and Fax: +32/4/367.83.00