We recently launched our new ceramic and glass capabilities with a seminar and networking session. Drs Hywel Jones and Paul Bingham welcomed current and prospective clients to the event aimed at professionals from the ceramic and glass production industry and also companies who may use ceramic or glass technology in their products or processes. The aim was to highlight the new facilities being offered by the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) and to explain potential funding opportunities companies could pursue.

Dr Nick Farmilo began proceedings by introducing our guests to the university with a brief history of the university, Sheffield area and the Materials and Engineering Research Institute. Both Hywel Jones (engineering ceramics) and Paul Bingham (glasses) then proceeded to discuss their area of expertise explaining our capabilities, recent success stories and ways of working between academia and industry.

The half-day event which included plenty of opportunity to network was attended by a range of companies based all over the United Kingdom. The session ended with both Hywel and Paul offered free 30 minute consultations to those who were interested whilst other MERI staff gave the guests the opportunity to tour and examine MERI’s world leading facilities and equipment.

"A great appetite among the industry"

The event was highly praised by the 35 in attendance and Hywel Jones said: 'The attendance and enthusiasm surpassed my expectations and the event was a great success. It shows that there is a great appetite among industry for university expertise and facilities that can be used in the analysis and development of ceramics and glasses. It was a great opportunity to meet prospective clients and show them how we can work with them now or in the future.'

Those who responded to the event feedback survey all said the event was worthwhile and would attend future events held by Sheffield Hallam University in association with MERI. Nick Farmilo added 'these events are of paramount importance to our strategic aim of collaborating more closely with industry. Most people are surprised by the level of capabilities we have and are delighted when we solve their problems where others have struggled with timescale and expertise.'

To find out more about our ceramic and glass capabilities contact Hywel Jones (a.h.jones@shu.ac.uk), Paul Bingham (p.bingham@shu.ac.uk), or call 0114 225 3500.