Since it was founded in 1986,
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reputation for providing optimum
solutions for harsh applications
in the chemical, oil & gas, refin-
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paper and power generation
industries throughout Southern
Africa.
Together with support from
world leading suppliers in valves,
actuators and positioners, V&A
have the experience, know-how
and product range to meet the
needs of almost any application
in industry from isolation, on/off,
ESD to modulating control. From
complete new packages to OEM
parts, V&A can supply your re-
quirements. Whichever solution is
selected, all customers enjoy the
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port and after sales service.
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Comment
Joint research partnerships
comment
I
n the present federal and state research
funding climate, a diversified research port-
folio is very desirable. This diversification
concept is not new to any investor, but in the
university climate this concept has been slow
to develop. This may be due to the ease with
which universities have been able to work with
government agencies and availability of fund-
ing. At the present time, universities who have
fostered industry-university collaborations are
in a much stronger position to maintain their
strength and depth in research.
While the concept seems simple, having
a successful industry-sponsored research
program has many issues that can impede
such activities. Matters such as developing a
program that is realistic in addressing intellec-
tual property, deliverables, publication rights,
confidential information and conflicts of inter-
est issues, come to mind. Whilst these can
be impediments, there are ways to negotiate
these matters ahead of time so that when the
opportunities do arise, delays will not occur.
Some operational topics that one must pay
particular attention in developing a deep rela-
tionship between industry and universities are:
* Acknowledgement of a strict time-frame for
reporting. The academics must realize that
the projects generally are not as flexible
as those of other agencies where annual
reports are the norm. Industry requires
more regular reporting (communication)
of progress vis-à-vis the agreed milestones
and overall goals.
* Flexibility of the university. The univer-
sity needs to be creative in trying to work
through any issue or difficulties that may
arise after the project has been initiated.
* Choice of students. Not all students are
suitable for joint industry-university partner-
ships. Appropriate coaching of the stu-
dents in the difference in the working style
(schedule, presentation and documenta-
tion) is essential.
* Industry should seek a long-term partner-
ship with a particular faculty member and
an institution. Fewer stronger partnerships
are best.
* Industry should seek partnerships in
more than one area of interest. A diverse
research portfolio is of keen interest to the
faculty and provides multiple entry points for
industry.
* There should be a sharing of the fruits of in-
novation between industry and the univer-
sity. Going into an up-front relationship or
agreement on innovation and subsequent
resulting intellectual property is imperative
for a healthy partnership that will flourish.
The University of Pittsburgh has developed
five key values that it asks the faculty and
industry to consider when embarking on a joint
collaboration:
Commitment:
Commit to deep, meaningful
exchanges with key partners.
True collaborators connect with each other on
many levels.
Alignment:
Work to mutual benefit and advan-
tage
We believe in building long-term relationships
with key companies for the purpose of creating
value for both organizations.
Collaboration:
Emphasize discovery through
collaboration
Encourage teams of researchers to work
together, often across disciplines, to try to
answer the complex questions of our times
Openness:
Adhere to principles of openness in
research
The principle of freedom of access by all in-
terested persons to the underlying data, to the
processes and to the final results of research is
one of overriding importance to us.
Respect:
Cultivate interdependence and re-
spect independence
Research is a critical aspect of a successful
learning environment and fulfils our responsi-
bility to advance the state of knowledge and
the practice of professions that serve a diverse
society.
by Lyn Bates
3
Chemical Technology • September 2013
Lyn Bates is Managing Director of Ajax Equipment
Ltd, a company specializing is the design and manu-
facture of equipment for solids handling. In 2000
he was presented with the 'IMechE - Solids Handling
Award for 'Professional Excellence in the Industry'.
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