Smart ideas could be money-spinners

Smart materials are those that sense and adapt to stimulus in the environment, and NAMTEC is part of a consortium that is promoting the investment into research and development for these type of materials, surfaces and structures. Iain Fielden, technical specialist at NAMTEC, explains: “This is a major area of materials development and there is funding available to stimulate wealth creation and economic growth relating to smart materials. Our role is to provide expertise in this area, assist with completion of application forms, and putting organisations in touch with third parties who can help with onward research and development.” The growth of Smart technology in the UK is being encouraged by SMART.mat, part of the UK Materials Knowledge Transfer, funded by the DTI, that brings together research and UK industry through a consortium comprising the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and NAMTEC (the National Metals Technology Centre). For applications to be successful, Smart ideas must address a problem being experienced by a UK business - and there has to be the availability of a relevant solution provider. If any of these factors are missing, the organisation should join SMART.mat free of charge for more information. · NAMTEC has appointed Dr Stephen Court (pictured) as chief technology officer. He will play a key role in the strategic development of NAMTEC as a provider of technical services to the UK's metals and manufacturing sector. His responsibilities will include the leadership of NAMTEC’s technical staff and ensuring the organisation delivers the very highest quality in the technical services it provides.