Materials network promises new partnership

Lord Sainsbury launches Materials Knowledge Transfer Network at the Science Museum, describing it as a partnership between businesses, research and technology organisations and universities.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Sainsbury launched the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) at the Science Museum on Thursday 19th January, describing it as a new partnership between businesses, research and technology organisations and universities that would help give UK manufacturing an edge as global markets become ever more competitive.

Lord Sainsbury said: "The KTN will bring together industry and research expertise, and make the best use of resources and spread best practice".

"It will provide a one-stop shop for unsurpassed materials advice to UK manufacturing and service providers".

The KTN, said Sainsbury, was an organisation aimed at making cutting-edge science available on the factory floor.

It includes the successful Faraday Plastics partnership - the UK's resource and coordinator for polymer-based research.

Richard Simpson, Faraday Plastics Director, said: "We feel energised and motivated by the government's initiative in materials".

"It is in fact vital that all of us - in plastics, textiles, ceramics and metals - work creatively and industriously with each other to grow the materials sector and the many opportunities in it".

"We intend to use our increased funding and new network resources to push innovations ever forward into the plastics manufacturing community".

Companies participating in the KTN can learn about, and make use of, the latest developments in materials technology from around the world.

Businesses will have access to the best scientific and manufacturing facilities to research and apply innovations in the use of materials.

The Department of Trade and Industry will provide more than £11 million for the KTN over the next three years.

Under the chairmanship of Robert Quarshie of the DTI, the materials grouping is an important element in the government's aim to consolidate the sector as a key driver for a successful manufacturing sector.

The £200 billion materials sector is estimated to contribute 15% to the nation's GDP, directly employs 1.5 million people and supports another four million jobs.

The network will also give users access to up-to-date information on materials properties, where to get advice, research and development and other services, and provide a forum for sharing information.

There will be sections dedicated to each class of material, for example metals, composites, plastics, ceramics, minerals and smart materials.

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