Do you measure up?
Do you measure up?
Keywords: Metrology, Awards
Key innovators who size up the world around us are being sought for this year's DTI- sponsored National Measurement Awards.
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and Beta Technology Ltd are re-launching the awards to attract more small and medium sized enterprise (SME)participation.
The science of metrology is being recognised for its crucial role in allowing Britain to retain and improve manufacturing competitiveness. Anyone who has developed a measurement process or technique, from the shop floor to the laboratory, is invited to enter to boost themselves and their organisation.
Previous award winners have found that the accolade has provided important exposure in promoting their work.
Phlogiston Scientific Ltd, based at Loughborough University, won the Innovative Metrology Award in 2000 for its universal detection system for liquid chromatography. The invention speeds up and simplifies the detection of chemicals used in, for example, the food, drugs and water industries.
Joanne Bone, who was the runner-up British Female Inventor of the Year,praised the metrology award for adding credibility to Phlogiston Scientific. She said "The award allows innovators to gain recognition for their ideas and increases morale. I am using the award to add credibility wherever possible, as my contacts are aware of what it signifies."
Dr Tim Clarke, of Optical Metrology Centre, was featured on BBC TV's Tomorrow's World following his success in the 1997 awards (Plate 1). His prototype-profiling instrument, known as the Sewer Rat, won the Innovative Metrology (World Class Manufacturing) Award. The device, developed in conjunction with Thames Water, is capable of measuring up to 1,000 points in a few seconds to detect faults and abnormalities on a cross-section of pipes. The product has since been adapted for different markets, including the offshore oil pipeline industry.
Plate 1 Dr Tim Clarke of OMC
Dr Clarke said the prestige that accompanied winning a metrology award had benefited the invention during its early days. He added: "The awards produced several articles in industry journals. I use the award when I introduce myself to new contacts; it acts as a stamp of approval and is a useful tool to create awareness within your industry."
World-class experts from the NPL and the Department of Trade and Industry will judge this year's awards.
Colin Ager of the DTI said "The DTI is pleased to sponsor the National Measurement Awards which are designed to promote the development and use of traceable measurement as a means of increasing innovation and productivity to benefit all aspects of UK society, ranging from economic impact to quality of life."
Recognition for an idea, invention or contribution to industry is possible through the National Measurement Awards. The categories are as follows.
Frontier Science and Measurement (the application of new measurement science or ideas for the use of existing science in new measurement applications).
Innovative Measurement (ideas that have developed beyond demonstration/prototype stage and are ready to exploit).
Measurement Solutions for Industry (the successful application of novel measurement solutions that have resulted in significant benefit).
Pioneers of Measurement (individuals or organisations that have promoted best practice).
The NPL Materials Award (the development of new techniques for materials measurement or characterisation).
To register and receive an application form, log on to www.national-measurement- awards.co.uk or contact Hannah Edmunds. Tel: 0208 943 6260; E-mail: hannah.edmunds@npl.co.uk
