The University of Southampton and the University of Oxford have agreed to partner in the establishment of a joint Institute for Web Science.

The Institute of Web Science, which was announced by the Prime Minister on 22nd March, will help Britain stay at the forefront of World Wide Web developments.

It is to be co-hosted by the University of Southampton and the University of Oxford, and has been created through a £30 million grant provided through the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

The aim is to build the Institute of Web Science on the foundations of existing, complementary strengths at the two universities – as both institutions have made considerable investment in Web Science and its societal and governmental implications.

Professor Nigel Shadbolt of the University of Southampton, who will lead the Institute with Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee, said: 'The Web is one of the most disruptive and transformative innovations we have ever witnessed. We must understand the forces that have shaped it, anticipate its evolution and determine its future social and economic impact. But we must also research a next generation of the Web. The announcement today will allow us to do this in the UK and to ensure that we remain pioneers and world class in this critical area.'

He continued, 'The Institute for Web Science will also act as a bridge between research and business, helping commercialise these new technologies. It will also help Government stimulate demand through procurement.'

Professor Andrew Hamilton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: 'The next generation of Web technologies is going to shape the world in even more dramatic ways. The University of Oxford is at the forefront of research into the societal implications of the internet. It is important and appropriate that Oxford should be involved in initiatives that seek to tap into the exciting future possibilities and potential of the Web.'

Professor Don Nutbeam, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, commented: "I am delighted that Southampton will play such a fundamental role in shaping the next-generation technologies and capabilities of the World Wide Web. I congratulate Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Professor Nigel Shadbolt for their recent work which has demonstrated the transformational power of the Web in delivering data and information which is of real value. This new role will build on Southampton's established world-class research and expertise in Web Science. We now look forward to working with universities and business around the world as we take this research initiative forward."

Find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Southampton.

Looking for funding for postgraduate studies in 2010? Check out the exclusive bursaries on offer from Postgrad Solutions.

Content added on 25th March 2010.

Back