May 9 2008
The Institute of Nanotechnology is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Richard A.L. Jones FRS as the new Chairman of its Advisory Group. Professor Jones, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Sheffield and author of the well-received book 'Soft Machines: Nanotechnology and Life' brings his unique expertise in nanotechnology as well as his communication skills and long-standing interest in public engagement. Professor Jones is currently Senior Strategic Advisor for Nanotechnology for the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the lead funding agency for nanotechnology research in the UK
Professor Jones commented that he was delighted with his new role, especially as the Institute had now established its position as one of the most important and highly respected nanotechnology networking and information dissemination organisations in Europe. This is evidenced by IoN recent successes in FP7, as co-ordinator of two significant projects, one of which is to create a nano observatory for Europe, and as a partner in three more.
He also congratulated his predecessor, Dr Jim Darwent, vice-president of corporate research at Unilever, for his unfailing and energetic support of the Institute over the past two years, with great result.
On behalf of the Institute, Professor Jones also expressed his gratitude to two other retiring members, Professor Derek Chetwynd from Cranfield University, who has been a member of the Advisory Board since the Institute was formed in 1997 and who has greatly contributed to its growth and consolidation, and Dr Michael Pitkethly from the Centre for Process Innovation, CPI, who has served for five years, providing valuable input from a nanobusiness perspective.
Ottilia Saxl, CEO of the Institute of Nanotechnology, expressed her pleasure that Professor Jones had accepted the role of Chairman. "Richard Jones will enhance the Institute's reputation though his international standing in the nanocommunity and well-documented activities in both outreach and identifying key commercial opportunities for nanoscience".