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[February 2005]
Powdermatrix Declares a Successful Revolution
A capacity audience made PowdermatriX Revolution, the annual review of the PowdermatriX Faraday Partnership, a lively and successful event. Working with the Advanced Ceramic, Powder Metal, Hard Metal and Magnetics industries, PowdermatriX has developed an impressive array of projects and services since its launch in early 2003.
Despite snow storms, 120 delegates from industry and leading universities attended the event, which was held at Holywell Park, Loughborough. In welcoming them, Dr. John Liddle, PowdermatriX Director , described how, in a relatively short time, PowdermatriX was demonstrating a positive influence on the particulate engineering sectors and developing a portfolio of longer term research projects.
Throughout the day, there was plenty to hear and see:
- Industry Members highlighted the significant benefits from the 15 SPARK award projects PowdermatriX had funded for problem solving and feasibility studies.
- The five flagship project groups supported by EPSRC and DTI described industrially focused research as varied as mathematical modelling to improve process capability, innovative nano materials for better component properties, and improved coatings and magnetic materials for energy efficient aircraft engines.
- Interactive sessions produced a series of actions based on the recommendations of the recently published PowdermatriX Technology Roadmaps.
In addition, details of new funding initiatives for PowdermatriX members in 2005 were released. A call for Industrial CASE studentships gives companies a further opportunity to work with top research departments. A second round of SPARK awards, each worth £5,000, will establish up to 12 projects to help industry take the first steps in developing innovative ideas.
The meeting proved an excellent opportunity for delegates not only to learn about emerging technologies and services, but also to help develop activities to ensure that PowdermatriX will produce an even greater impact in the future.
ENDS