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Techniques that can produce detailed chemical information rapidly and non-destructively for many forensic applications have been developed by Queen's University Belfast based on Raman analysis. The techniques have been adopted by the Forensic Science laboratory in Northern Ireland (FSNI) to trace the source of seized drugs, identify novel psychoactive substances ("legal highs") and study paint evidence. More than 2000 cases of supply/possession of ecstasy drugs, 947 paint casework samples and 100 'legal highs' have been analysed. Other law enforcement agencies are now adopting the methods developed at Queen's.
Research by Libby Sheldon into the history and technology of paints and pigments has benefited conservation specialists and art professionals based in both museums and the art trade. Using specialist scientific techniques to examine artists' paint materials, her research findings have made possible the accurate dating of Old Master and British paintings and have played a crucial role in their authentication and critical re-evaluation. Her analysis of works in important public as well as private collections has contributed to both professional and public understanding of our cultural heritage. Her research has enriched appreciation of technical art history for a large general audience through museum displays and programmes and through high-profile media appearances enhancing the understanding of how art is made from a technical and material perspective.
Professor Batchelder at Leeds undertook key aspects in the research, design, development and application of Raman microscopes. His partnership with Renishaw plc (Spectroscopy division) led to the development of a new generation of imaging Raman microscope, with performance improved by an order of magnitude. This instrument not only offers dramatically faster performance, meaning spectra could be acquired in seconds rather than tens of minutes, but requires much less laboratory space and maintenance, and offers a wider range of performance compared to other systems on the market. Consequently, the Renishaw system has been the world's best-selling research Raman microscope 2008-13. Wide impact has been generated from the economic benefits of the emergence of the Raman microscope products, from their application within the customer base in terms of improved imaging performance and from the fact that these instruments have since found new applications in a wide range of fields from space research to Forensic Science (see section 4), effectively expanding the customer base.
Research led by Dr Brian Singer on techniques for analysing artists' materials has helped museum and gallery conservators develop treatments through a sound knowledge of the materials present. Publications by conservators (2008-11) reference the research and, in relation to high-profile works by Munch, cite changes in practice that have enhanced the continuing availability of this artist's oeuvre. The same research has supported the estate of Francis Bacon, assisting its authentication committee to define authenticity and date of unattributed works for inclusion in Bacon's catalogue raisonné. Singer's research and methods have ultimately benefited the wider public, ensuring engagement with 20th Century art in the long term.
Platinum Group Elements (PGE) are critical strategic metals because of their unrivalled applications in catalysts, fuel cells and electronics and cancer therapies. Research and analytical methods developed at Cardiff have impacted on exploration for new PGE deposits, and more efficient processing of PGE ores by international mining companies. A key milestone between 2009 and 2012 was the discovery of a 3 billion year old giant impact crater in West Greenland. This discovery is of major economic significance because all craters previously found in this size class are associated with multi-billion dollar mineral and/or hydrocarbon resources. It led to an intellectual property transaction worth CDN$ 2.1 million and discovery of nickel and PGE deposits in Greenland by North American Nickel Incorporated.
The development and application, by a UCL and Royal Institution (UCL/RI) team, of a powerful range of computational and experimental techniques has had a major impact on understanding of catalysis at the molecular level. The translation of these approaches to industry — achieved through fellowships, collaborations and employment of trained UCL/RI scientists — has had substantial impact on the development and optimisation of key catalytic systems used in energy, environmental, bulk and fine chemicals production. Computational modelling software has been commercialised by Accelrys following interaction with the UCL/RI team. Products and processes at Johnson Matthey have been developed and enhanced over a shorter timescale, ultimately leading to good returns and a sustained market position. The approaches also provided evidence that platinum-containing vehicle emission catalysts are not a source of chloroplatinates in the environment and can therefore continue to be used.
Making Art in Tudor Britain (MATB) has enhanced public engagement with iconic images of British history; generated fresh insights for the public (multiple makers' hands, works' international origin) and brought works into display. School-level learners and teachers have particular readiness to attend to Tudor material since the Tudor period is central to National Curriculum. Popular access to findings on the makeup of works (lectures, website, museum displays and trails, book, press articles) led to knowledge enhancement. Viewers were fascinated and instructed by a TV demonstration of newly-tried methods of technical analysis on forgeries. MATB has impacted on international conservation practice, sparking exhibitions and projects.
Durham Chemistry has a long history of research in cutting edge crystallographic methods and innovative instrument design which has led to the commercialisation of scientific apparatus and software with significant sales value. Durham-developed apparatus and crystallographic software are used globally by both industry and academia. Autochem2, for example, is sold exclusively to Agilent via the spin-out company OlexSys, and hundreds of researchers rely on Durham's contributions to the Topas software pacakge. Crystallographic research for pharmaceutical and other companies, research-based consultancy, commercial analytical services and provision of international PhD+ level training schools have led to further significant impact.
The School of Chemistry has a long track record of pioneering and innovative outreach activities aimed at stimulating public interest and understanding in chemistry research and its societal impact. During the period 2008-2013 it successfully communicated to a wide-ranging audience the significance of a series of "firsts" in the areas of nanoscience and materials for energy applications. Using YouTube, Royal Society Summer Science Exhibitions, roadshows and science festivals, this award-winning approach has engaged hundreds of thousands through digital media and thousands more face-to-face, raising public awareness, inspiring interest in science and delivering educational benefits for students and teachers alike.
XeraCarb Ltd is a spin-out company formed in 2011 to exploit a class of ceramic composite materials co-invented by Jones. These materials were first devised in 2008 via a Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) Knowledge Transfer activity and developed from 2009 onwards through a series of UK Ministry of Defence (UK MoD)-funded research projects. XeraCarb was spun out after the underpinning research won a national award in 2011 as the most promising UK materials system for commercialisation. The applications for XeraCarb's materials range from body- and vehicle-armour to kiln furniture and wear-resistant components. The company has attracted significant venture capital investment and is valued at over £1m. It has set up an independent production facility, has appointed employees, has been awarded a TSB grant, has materials undergoing trials in respect of a number of applications, and has delivered its first orders.