Philips marks 100th anniversary of research division

Philips has launched celebrations of the 100th anniversary of its Philips Research division at an event in Eindhoven.

The company will be marking the centenary throughout 2014 and is taking the opportunity to highlight the positive contributions its research and development staff have made to technological progress over the last century.

Since company founders Anton and Gerard Philips established their Natuurkundig Laboratorium in 1914, the firm has created the breakthrough X-ray tube Rotalix and the pioneering rotary electric razor, as well as the first audio cassettes and CDs.

It now operates one of the world's largest corporate research organisations, spread across six international locations in North America, Europe and Asia and employing more than 1,500 people.

Henk van Houten, general manager of Philips Research, said: "By formulating ambitious innovation goals that relate to the key challenges people face, we inspire our scientists and partners to co-create impactful solutions that matter to people."

Earlier this month, the firm strengthened its development capabilities further by agreeing a technology licence and acquisition deal with Aerogen, a respiratory drug delivery company based in Ireland.