Concrete research in the UK

It may seem curious for a practising engineer to be writing a guest editorial in the Magazine of Concrete Research. If this is thought to be unusual, in some ways it sums up the attitude to research in the UK. However, research should not be regarded as an indolent activity for the gratification of a few academics. Any industry which does not concern itself actively with research is bound to become moribund. In my terms, research is not purely confined to academic ivory towards, but rather it encapsulates every part of the industry, including materials, design, construction, maintenance, repair, and also the effective management and control of these processes.