Abstract
The Particulate Engineering Committee of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) has approved the award of the 2011 Ivor Jenkins Medal to Dr John Liddle, in recognition of his significant role as Director of the former PowdermatriX Faraday Partnership in the UK.
John became Director of PowdermatriX in 2002 and, under his leadership, the Partnership established:
a membership of over 200 companies in key supply chains, 46 university departments and 725 individuals to set priorities in research and development, standards, information and technology transfer activities
a research portfolio with key companies, university departments and research centres, covering defined needs in ceramics, metals, magnetic materials, functional materials, powder processing and characterisation and ground-breaking nanoparticulates
respected programmes of technical meetings and workshops informing the particulate community of technical developments and good practice. Over 2100 delegates attended 53 events
roadmaps, which were the basis for strategic collaborations on technology development in powder metals, ceramics, hardmetals and magnetic materials, and defined needs in specific market sectors, e.g. energy generation, and for individual companies
the PowdermatriX Associate Scheme, training over 35 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in ‘soft’ skills in preparation for careers in industry or academia
the successful SPARK Award scheme, which provided ‘feasibility funding’ to improve industrial performance in companies through technology and people transfer.
The stimulus John gave partner companies, universities and his team of technology translators provided a focus for the particulate materials community, leading to advances and innovation in many applications, including powder compaction, power generation and powders for pharmaceutical use. Significant value has been delivered to UK industry and the UK academic community.
John is a founder director of Materials Solutions, a company established under the DTI Micro and Nanotechnology initiative, exploiting selective laser melting for functional parts in stainless steel, cobalt–chromium and nickel alloys.
John is now developing a sustainable construction network, managing an innovation centre and conference facility, and is involved with the construction materials group of IOM3 to encourage innovative developments.
His former PowdermatriX colleagues continue to build on his legacy in assisting the particulate engineering community through the Powders Sector of the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network.
On learning that he was to receive this award, Dr Liddle said: ‘I'm really honoured by the award of the Ivor Jenkins Medal, and would like to thank the members of all the teams from all areas of particulate technology that I've had the privilege and pleasure to work with.’