Chemistry Innovation Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) has launched a new technology platform to complement the current portfolio of platforms and themes: Measurement Science and Technology (MST)
The formation of this platform comes as a result of recommendations drawn from a recent study undertaken by the RSC, on behalf of Chemistry Innovation, which highlighted the need for action on the methods and techniques to measure, analyse and characterise material properties.
To get the platform up and running, a series of events and workshops will be set up over the coming months, backed by Chemistry Innovation personnel and website information.
"In order to steer and support the activities of the new platform, we are also assembling an advisory board, with representatives drawn from across a range of industry sectors and universities involved in the measurement sector." reports strategy development manager Julie McDonald, who has responsibility for the area.
Measurement science and technology capability clearly underpins a range of product and process technologies and contributes to a broad spectrum of market sectors.
The measurement of specific properties - often in real-time - is an essential requirement and it is certain that more advanced measurement methods will be needed in the future.
Recent developments in DNA profiling provide a good example of where measurement science has created opportunities for step-change advances in technology - in this case improving crime detection and security methods.
Examples can also be found in the rapidly expanding area of nanotechnology.
Knowledge of particle shape and dimensionality, key to the functionality of products already going to market, is demanding increasingly sophisticated nano-characterisation methods.
The establishment of Chemistry Innovation's MST platform offers a single focal point for advancing measurement science and technology in the UK.
Working with the RSC, the platform aims to support the future direction of MST through a number of approaches: by raising the awareness of new techniques across market sectors, identifying growth opportunities in emerging markets, setting-up collaborative projects, defining and updating the skills and training base for this sector and helping to promote the introduction of new process measurements into manufacturing.
At the strategic level, roadmapping techniques will be applied to provide a forecast of future developments in the longer term.
As with other technology platforms within Chemistry Innovation, the MST platform will make full use of various communication tools for spreading knowledge including web-based tools, networks and collaborations.
