Welcome to the September issue of Materials World
Certainty, control and confidence are the hallmarks of metrology – the science
of measurement, notes Gareth Edwards FIMMM of the National Physical Laboratory, UK.
He reflects, “From the earliest accidental discoveries to the cutting-edge developments today, people have had to consider how to control the parameters of their actions, understand what it is they did to create something, and then control the environment to do it repeatedly and assuredly.”
Therefore, he says, “investment in measurement science will be as important as the materials discoveries themselves if we are to take full advantage of the opportunities they offer”.
In this issue, we explore the development of novel inspection, characterisation and measurement technology to accelerate new research opportunities, monitor materials failures and create sensors for a range of industries. Underpinning these developments are the role of standards, but also increasing use of automation and artificial intelligence.
Last issue, we informed our readers of the sad news regarding the death of EUR ING Ian Bowbrick CEng CEnv FIMMM, Director of Membership and Professional Standards at IOM3. The impact Ian had on our members personally and professionally is reflected in the fact we were inundated with condolence messages. We thank you for your heartfelt messages and are passing these onto his family. A full obituary to Ian appears in this issue. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Ian’s family at this difficult time.
