Imperial College NDE Group - Renewal of Platform Grant

The main objectives of the current platform grant from 2005-2010 were for the group to expand into super resolution (sub wavelength) imaging, to increase our profile in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) field and to extend the scope of the group's modelling work. An important factor in attaining these objectives was expected to be staff stability and the ability to undertake feasibility studies in a timely manner. The objectives have been met in full, with the group developing a world leading position in super resolution imaging including major collaborations with key US institutions, doing exciting work in SHM that has led to the formation of a new spin-out company, and greatly enhancing our finite element modelling capabilities. The chief objective for the next period is to develop a modern ultrasound technology under the umbrella of quantitative imaging. In medical diagnostics we will combine quantitative imaging science with the new and exciting findings of biomechanics. Moreover, our international lead in NDE will enable us to cross-fertilise between medical and engineering applications to the benefit of both communities.

The work will benefit both the health and engineering sectors. In health, quantitative ultrasound imaging will improve current diagnostic technology providing an imaging modality that can be used as an adjunct to other available techniques, such as X-ray or MRI, to improve their sensitivity and limit the number of false positives, or even become the gold standard modality for the detection of some pathologies. This will contribute to better standards of care for patients and more effective screening programs which would limit the financial burden on the government. In engineering, improved imaging of defects will give more reliable sizing and so improved confidence in structural integrity assessments. This will increase the safety of critical plant and reduce unnecessary shutdowns due to the over-conservative assessments that are required if defects cannot be sized reliably. In both sectors, improved imaging represents a significant market opportunity for equipment suppliers; in the health sector these are primarily the major medical equipment suppliers while in the engineering sector there are both global companies and a substantial SME sector. There is therefore significant impact on population health, on the safety of plant operation, and on the medical and engineering instrumentation sectors. The overall direction of the research and engagement with beneficiaries will be overseen by a strategic advisory group with representation from both the medical and engineering sectors. In addition to presentations at conferences and journal publications, the health benefits will be promoted via direct links with clinicians, while the engineering benefits will be publicised to the industrial membership of the UK Research Centre in NDE which has its headquarters at Imperial. It is too early to decide on a precise exploitation route, but at the appropriate time this will be handled via Imperial Innovations Ltd; this has been very successful in the past, the group having spawned three spin-out companies and three other current licence agreements.