CGI and the University of Leicester open state of the art Innovation Lab with global vision for sustainability
CGI, the leading IT and business consulting services firm, has launched a new Sustainability Innovation Lab in partnership with the University of Leicester a founding member of CGI’s unique research initiative Sustainability Exploration and Environmental Data Science (SEEDS).
The opening coincides with the unveiling of a bespoke piece of artwork which was commissioned by CGI for display at COP27 and is now installed at Space Park Leicester. Designed by artist Luke Jerram, Gaia is a globe which is an overview of the planet from the perspective of outer space and has its surface illustrated with earth observation imagery.
Together, the two developments represent the growing collaboration between CGI, the University and their partners, which is powering data-driven insight to help monitor and protect the environment.
Located on the University’s main campus, the Sustainability Innovation Lab provides an exciting environment where CGI can collaboratively help clients in partnership with University professionals and students to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future through technology, research and innovation. The Lab will also provide space for students and research professors to conduct and showcase their own research projects, attend seminars and workshops and collaborate on sustainability projects.
The collaboration will enable CGI to build on the important projects it is working on with its SEEDS partners and accelerate efforts to address climate change and strengthen research for the environment and communities. Research areas will include climate mitigation and adaptation solutions, natural capital accounting solutions, chemicals and waste reduction solutions, and supply chain sustainability. New research and technologies will help spur low-carbon solutions and innovations and support the creation of new low-carbon business models.
Marking the arrival of the CGI Globe at Space Park Leicester ( from left) Prof Richard Ambrosi - Executive Director, Space Park Leicester, Tara McGeehan - President CGI UK & Australia and Prof Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Leicester.
The Lab opened with a special launch event held at the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester on Monday 9 October 2023, and was attended by Tara McGeehan, President CGI UK & Australia, and Professor Henrietta O'Connor, the Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University.
“This partnership between CGI and the University of Leicester gives us the opportunity to demonstrate some of the exciting projects we have been working on regarding SEEDS. The space will be used for seminars, workshops, and continuing our work with clients on sustainability solutions. said Tara McGeehan, President of CGI in the UK and Australia. ”Through this initiative, we aim to drive positive change, encourage environmental innovation, and inspire future leaders in sustainability.”
Professor Henrietta O’Connor, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester said: “The route to a sustainable future depends upon harnessing the power of technology and innovation to provide the insight and solutions we need, through big data, earth observation science, and beyond. The new Sustainability Innovation Lab cements our growing partnership with CGI and, together with the growing portfolio of Space Park Leicester, shows a continued commitment to bringing industry and academia together to find those solutions.”