May 14 2007
The Centre of Excellence in Metrology for Micro and Nano Technologies (CEMMNT) celebrated its official launch on Wednesday, 2nd May 2007, at the Systems Engineering Innovation Centre (SEIC), in Loughborough. CEMMNT provides open access to measurement, characterisation and design equipment and expertise that can accelerate product and process development within all sectors of industry. Graham Spittle, Chairman of the UK Technology Strategy Board, stressed the importance of collaboration across industries in reducing time to market for new products.
The event attracted 150 delegates. Presentations describing CEMMNT’s capabilities highlighted its unique open access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and knowledge for all industrial sectors. A vibrant panel discussion emphasised the importance of metrology at all stages of product development, the requirement for techniques to characterise at the nano scale in wet environments and the urgency for improving knowledge transfer in these fast evolving technologies. A brokerage session organised by NEXUS enabled delegates to identify opportunities for UK industry to leverage European Union funding for nano technology projects.
CEMMNT is a “one stop shop” hub for solving the measurement and characterisation challenges of industry in the UK and for providing education and knowledge transfer to micro and nano technology practitioners through its future conferences, workshops and training events. CEMMNT’s network of partners – BAE Systems, Coventor, National Physical Laboratory, Taylor Hobson and QinetiQ – unites 5 globally recognised leaders in micro and nano technology.