Leading university in the UK has been supported with development of the nanomaterials research strategy

Client – Leading university in the UK

University in the UK, part of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities, needed identification of priorities in nanomaterials research and recommendation of relevant future activities. It was needed to identify and provide recommendations related to: strengths and position in the international ecosystem, problems and challenges to address, technology development opportunities where new stuff and leadership is needed, existing opportunities for nanomaterials research within easy reach and opportunities in new and upcoming research fields.

• A comprehensive report presenting and analysing collected information and providing recommendations has been prepared related to nanomaterials research and development activities. Information collected in the interviews with selected staff the university and external experts and in additional research about positioning in the international ecosystem has been presented in this report.
• Interview question have been prepared and structured with the aim to collect information such as requirements, current and future needs and motivation of key collaborators and opportunities for further development (for example, identifying key research areas of interest, opportunities for entering of new technology fields and IP development, strengthening existing and developing new collaboration partnerships and staff recruitment needs).
• Analysis has been conducted based on the information about key competitors and collaborators among the research institutes and universities mentioned in the interviews with the academics.
• The best practice examples from leading universities in key areas of interest have been presented based on interviews and additional research. Leaders of the field among collaborators and competitors have been selected for the analysis in order to establish state-of-the-art in five chosen key research areas. Guidance and inspirational examples for improvement have been highlighted in the report.
• Recommendations related to nanomaterials research development in existing and new sectors and further partnership expansion with current and potential partners have been prepared as a summary case for actions. The report has been presented to the key strategy development university staff followed by discussion.