Chairmans Corner

Dr Cris Arnold

Following on from the Prestige Event in May, this issue focuses on some notable successes in Materials Technology across Wales. There has been a long history of Materials success across Wales; South Wales has long been one of the most important areas for metallurgy and although smaller, we can still claim to have the largest concentration of metals companies across Europe. The focus has changed into higher value products, addressing more current issues of sustainability, energy and health, a change that has increased the role of technical specialists and the requirement for effective technology transfer.

The Materials Community across the UK is a relatively close-knit one, and the recently re-launched Materials KTN is growing as a hub of activity. The Materials KTN is funded by the Technology Strategy Board, managed by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and operates within a number of themed groups. It is increasing in importance as a means of accessing the latest technological developments, providing a forum for discussion and collaboration, giving the materials industry a representation into National Government and building collaborative groupings to help attract R&D funding or inward investment. It is free to join and so I would urge anyone who hasn’t come across the Materials KTN to have a look on their website.

Given that the aims of the MNW are very similar to those of the Materials KTN, albeit on a more local level, it would seem sensible to work together rather than in isolation. This should mean that Welsh activity would gain a higher profile in the UK and internationally, could have better representation into UK Government policy and could access a wider base of collaboration. Discussions between us and the Materials KTN are on-going as to how we can best achieve a collaboration to our mutual benefits and I will keep you informed of these developments.