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Loughborough University's (LU) research in the application of artificial intelligence techniques to enhance process safety since 1993 has resulted in novel computer tools that generated the following economic impacts through the creation of a University spinout company, Hazid Technologies Ltd, in 2002:
1) Raised over £1.3m shares capital from investors.
2) Developed research prototypes into state-of-the-art commercial tools for improving process plant safety.
3) Signed a global sales agreement with Intergraph Corporation in 2005.
4) Established a portfolio of major companies around the world as clients.
5) Employs two executive directors, three software developers and three chemical engineers.
A reduction in planning uncertainties and financial risks of photovoltaics has been achieved by developing internationally accepted standards. Non-standardised characterisation and unreliable energy prediction caused a performance gap between expectations and realistic yields. Loughborough University (Prof. Gottschalg, Dr. Betts) conducted a series of research projects since 1999 which reduced this performance gap. The team consciously transferred developed methods to international standards for energy prediction and device characterisation. Standardisation has, with significant contributions from this team, resulted in the reporting period in a reduction of at least 2% calibration uncertainty, which has a value at today's prices of $1.500,000,000 per year (J. Wohlgemuth [5.1]).
Research by Loughborough University academics has influenced the development of elite footballs used in numerous global tournaments including FIFA World Cups, UEFA European Championships and Olympic Games. Research findings have led to increased design freedoms that have allowed adidas to produce balls with improved commercial appeal resulting in a tenfold increase in sales whilst maintaining product performance in line with the highest certifiable level of FIFA standards.
Since 2003 Loughborough University has worked with industry to create future manufacturing systems to enable large scale production of human stem cells. The research, development and demonstration of consistent, optimised, automated expansion in culture of human stem cells at Loughborough has led to the commercial sale by July 2013 of 47 systems worth £20.1M to companies developing stem cell-based and other therapies. Their use is contributing to the health and quality of life of patients, whilst creating a new industry sector with significant economic and employment benefits. Loughborough leads internationally and nationally in this emerging field with research at significant scale contributing new manufacturing and regulatory science and standards.
Since 1993, the outcomes of preservation management research at Loughborough University have:
Publically and industrially funded research at Loughborough University into the simulation, monitoring and control of electronics soldering has had significant impact in the development of new software and hardware technologies, which have delivered substantial commercial and economic benefits, with examples cited for at least two leading companies. One key commercial product is a modelling tool that optimizes reflow oven settings quickly, easily and accurately. It optimises oven settings each time a new product or solder paste is introduced, reducing set up times and scrap levels. More than 700 systems per year continue to be sold, with 90% exported.
Research by Community and Health Research Unit (CaHRU) broadly impacted on healthcare provision and care received by patients from ambulance services. The research directly informed policy and was a key factor in improving prehospital care for emergencies by directly influencing care systems, regulators, ambulance services, paramedics, and service users, initially in the East Midlands and subsequently throughout England from 2008 onwards.
The research which aimed to improve quality of ambulance care led to: development of new clinical quality indicators for ambulance services in England; benchmarking of service quality; initiatives to address gaps in care; measurable improvements in managing pain, heart attack, stroke, asthma and diabetes across all English ambulance services. Regulators now use these quality indicators to assess ambulance trusts in England.
Reducing vehicle noise and vibration is a key quality objective in the automotive industry. Historically, the approach has been costly palliation late in the manufacturing process; now a new approach applied earlier in the vehicle development cycle has been devised by Loughborough University and Ford and implemented at Ford that has led to savings of $7 per vehicle with respect to clutch in-cycle vibration (whoop). Ford has reported savings of $10M over 5 years, whilst reductions in transmission rattle have led to 5% fuel efficiency gains [5.1]. Ford has made an investment of £240M in its engine and transmission work at Bridgend, which includes aspects of work reported here and has created 600 new jobs [5.2].
Research at LU carried out from 2003 to 2011 has made a significant impact on the practical realisation of Open Access (OA) to scholarly publications at an international level. Research into publisher's Copyright Transfer Agreements underpinned the development of the SHERPA/RoMEO service, widely used by repository managers across Europe [impact 4.1]; a cost-benefit model of scholarly publishing in relation to the main routes to OA influenced the publishing industry, and research strategy amongst UK funding agencies [impact 4.2]; further research influenced Research Councils UK (RCUK) policy in relation to mandates [impact 4.3], and the work of the European Commission in the development of its digital agenda [impact 4.4].
Care provided to patients by emergency ambulance services is changing nationally and internationally. For example the proportion of 999 calls in England resulting in conveyance to hospital fell from 68% in 2007-8 to 55% in 2012-3. Professor Snooks of Swansea University and colleagues have collaborated with clinicians, policy makers and academics to identify approaches more cost-effective than routine conveyance to Emergency Departments (EDs) for many patients. International application of Snooks's evidence that telephone advice, decision support and referral pathways are safe and effective has reduced unnecessary attendance at EDs and costs without compromising patient experience, safety or quality of care.