Chairman's Corner

Dr Cris Arnold

The focus on this issue is the interaction between Welsh Universities and Welsh Industry. This interaction can range from the provision of information or advice via a phone call through to research and development projects running into million pound budgets.Within this month’s Bulletin there are a number of examples that show the range and scope of this interaction. Under the current economic conditions, simple survival may be the priority for many Companies, but for those able to plan for the subsequent upturn, being better placed with new products, improved processes and better technical understanding may give a distinct advantage. The amount of materials-related activity going on within Universities across Wales is certainly significant, and the expertise and facilities forms a valuable resource that can be tapped by Industry. In almost all cases, academics are more than happy to spend some time discussing potential collaboration. The MNW Prestige Event in May will be showcasing the Materials Research and Development within Welsh Universities and this will be an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas.

The Welsh Assembly Government has long recognised the potential advantage of close collaboration and there is significant assistance available, both in terms of direct funding support, as well as via Directories, Networks and dedicated Assembly staff to ensure information transfer. Some of the direct funding available is via the “Single Investment Fund” that covers areas such as patenting, prototyping, industrial research and product testing. This typically will cover up to 50% of costs. To support University / Industry links further, the “Academia For Business (A4B)” programme has been set up. This is a six-year programme which can provide funding of up to 100% of costs in some cases for several types of interactions. These can range from the smaller scale proof of concept and feasibility studies up to 3-year collaborative research projects and knowledge transfer centres where activity is focused on particular technologies. Further information on these support mechanisms is available from the Welsh Assembly Government website. In some cases, collaborations can lead to additional funding opportunities via the Technology Strategy Board or the EU’s Framework programme. We have a busy schedule for the first part of the year, with presentations planned on powder technology, photovoltaic coatings and advanced plastic materials, a site visit to Cogent Power and then our Prestige Event in May. I hope to see you at one or more of these events.