The first Analysis for Industry (AFI) open-day event was held on 9 March 2022 in the Research Engagement Hub and funded through the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) led by Dr David Ellis.
This was a pilot event to showcase the Small Research Facilities (SRF) at Heriot-Watt University to a selection of industry partners which included Diageo, LumiraDX and several others.
Prof Stephen McLaughlin, Deputy Principal of Research and Impact, welcomed the guests to HW, and Dr David Ellis gave a talk on the facilities. There was then a tour of the following SRFs (Small Research Facilities):
- NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) Spectroscopy: Dr David Ellis
- X-Ray Diffraction: Dr Georgina Rosair
- Mass Spectrometry at the Institute of Chemical Sciences (ICS): Assistant Prof. Ruaraidh McIntosh
- Mass Spectrometry at the Lyell Centre: Assistant Prof. Clayton Magill
- Continuum Flow Lab: Assistant Prof. Filipe Vilela/Assistant Prof. Graeme Barker
Derek Thomson (Training and Relationship Manager Business development (Talent)) and Grant Seller (Business Development) then gave a talk on pathways for further engagement with Heriot Watt, such as collaborations and strategic intellectual partnerships.
Dr Ellis said, “This is the first of many events and videos, which we will host though the funding of the IAA programme. Objectives of the day were to raise awareness of facilities to increase revenue from external users and to generate collaborations and longer-term engagement.”
Special thanks to Mrs Julie Mitchell (Research & Engagement Directorate administrator) and Mr Gary Brown (Business Operations Manager) who had major contributions to the event being successful!