Chairman's Corner

Professor John Evans

It is my pleasure at this time of the year to thank you all, on behalf of your Steering Committee, for all the help, support and encouragement you have given us over the last twelve months. For the MNW, the year ahead could be very significant. There are likely to be significant changes in the way in which the Network is organised, managed and funded. The changes are still being defined within the Welsh Assembly Government but we will keep you informed as soon as the situation becomes clearer.

This Bulletin marks the end of the current range of themed reviews that we present to you each year. This time we are focusing on University links and in particular, the Centres of Excellence or CETICS. These are organisations set up initially by the WDA, with the objective of facilitating the application of University expertise and technology in the advancement of small and medium sized enterprises within Wales. The CETICS in Materials have been extremely successful. In 2007, there will be a major review of their impact and decisions will be made about future support from WAG. It is, therefore, an opportune moment for some of the key players to present their activities to you. In the Bulletin you will find comprehensive overviews from Swansea, CAMS, CARM plus case studies of where major impact has been made on a Welsh business. I personally believe that the CETIC concept is unique and certainly a major asset to the Welsh economy.

The Steering Committee has also been discussing the availability of materials engineers and scientists to support the exciting activities taking place within Wales. The number of young people taking just degrees in materials has been falling dramatically not only in Wales but also the UK in general, Europe and the USA. Materials and their applications are central to much of the technology we take for granted. Economies will suffer if we do not reverse this trend. I know that major companies are struggling to find suitable people to satisfy their material needs. If they have problems what of SMEs? We need to reverse the trend. The MNW plans to initiate an event to discuss the implications and brain storm solutions.Your participation is essential. I will advise you when dates and venues are finalised. Finally, on behalf of your Steering Committee, I would like to wish you all a very successful and profitable New Year.

Materials Directory Update Members of Materials Network Wales will be receiving their updated Materials Directory in the next few weeks. This directory to sources of information on materials, provides a first point of contact for information on a range of materials including: Timber, Plastics and Rubber, Construction, Ceramics, Glass and Metals.Where possible contact details in Wales are provided.