The aim of the centre is to be the home for an internationally recognised grouping of researchers that work closely with industrial partners and tackle key catalytic and process problems all the way from conception through to commercialisation using a combination of chemistry and chemical engineering skills.
The immediate goals of the centre include the following:
Raise additional funding for catalysis and intensified processing
We aim to build upon the existing fundamental research strengths within University Research Centre Catalysis and Intensified Processing (URCCIP) by developing a structure which will use innovative knowledge transfer mechanisms to help North East companies (in particular Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with the commercialisation of research, and thereby improve the competitiveness of regional industry.
Stimulate joint chemical engineering/chemistry projects
We have organised a number of meetings aimed at getting chemists and chemical engineers to discuss collaborative ways of tackling research challenges. In this way we hope to identify and address problems that will be attractive to external sponsors that may have otherwise been missed. In addition, funding has been awarded by the University Strategic Research Fund to support summer students working on joint chemical engineering and chemistry research projects.
Raise awareness of catalysis and intensified processing across the university and externally
Awareness of the subject and our activities will be raised through workshops, invited lectures, newsletters, maintenance of a website and production of other publicity material. Within the university URCCIP will continue to promote internal collaboration. In addition, members of the Centre are involved in a number of national strategy setting bodies. This involvement ensures that the national agenda reflects the skills and expertise available at Newcastle and that Newcastle researchers are well informed of upcoming opportunities.