TFI Network+ Official Launch Event 

TFI Network+ officially launched on Monday 15th February 2020 with a virtual launch event. The event included introduction from Professor Ian Reaney, director of the Network, and insightful presentations by guest speakers from across the Foundation Industries sector and funding bodies. 

The Network will bring together stakeholders from industry and academia to address challenges and opportunities within the sector, including sustainability, performance and transformation. The launch event attracted over 200 attendees from across the sector, sparking lively discussion throughout the session. 

Guest speakers included:

• Chris McDonald, CEO Materials Processing Institute
• Laura Cohen, CEO British Ceramic Confederation
• Andrew Large, Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries
• Justin Perry, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Enterprise and Engagement at Northumbria University 
• Laura Baker, Chair of the IOM3 Iron & Steel Society
• Paul Bingham, Professor of Glasses and Ceramics at Sheffield Hallam University 
• Nina Cardinal, National Technical Manager at Hanson Cement UK 
• Bruce Adderley, Challenge Director for Transforming the Foundation Industries

Each speaker presented an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing their particular area, emphasising the common themes of energy efficiency, emerging technologies and the circular economy.

As well as guest speakers, the Network introduced plans for the coming months, including future events and funding opportunities. Attendees were encouraged to join the Network by completing the online application form. 

Unable to join us for the launch event? The recording is now available to catch up. 

Video time stamps

00:00:00 – ‘Introduction to the Network+ and its remit’ – Ian M. Reaney PI and Dyson Chair in Ceramics

00:13:32 – ‘Introduction by the IAP Chair’ – Chris McDonald, CEO Materials Processing Institute

00:16:30 – ‘Setting the scene for Network Plus– Foundation Industry Business Context and Ceramic Sector Focus’ – Laura Cohen, CEO British Ceramic Confederation

00:27:03 – ‘Unfolding the Future’ – Andrew Large, Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries

00:40:30 – ‘Chemical research and innovation across boundaries’ – Justin Perry, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Enterprise and Engagement for the Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University

00:53:27 – ‘Steel and the Network Plus, current activities and future ambitions’ – Laura Baker, Chair of the IOM3 Iron & Steel Society

01:04:00 – ‘Transforming the Glass and Ceramics Industries: Opportunities and Challenges’ – Paul Bingham, Professor of Glasses and Ceramics, Sheffield Hallam University

01:16:20 – ‘The Carbon Challenge for the Cement Industry’ – Nina Cardinal, National Technical Manager, Hanson Cement UK

01:29:43 -‘Foundation Industry Innovation: Acting for our Future’ – Bruce Adderley, Challenge Director – Transforming the Foundation Industries

01:33:36 – Future meetings: next opportunity to interact with the Network+ topics and dates