The OxICFM CDT is committed to an integrated academic-industrial training model, aimed at producing the next generation of world-class researchers across the breadth of synthetic inorganic chemistry. Our programme addresses the national need for resilience, growth and innovation in key manufacturing sectors. We deliver graduate training that brings together research excellence, industrial partnership and a unique combined breadth/depth of training expertise at the nexus of inorganic synthesis/manufacturing.
We are engaged in partnerships with ten companies and two national facilities to provide a comprehensive, integrated training package. Our partners include SCG Chemicals, Johnson Matthey, William Blythe, Siemens, Boron Specialties, Drochaid Research Services (DRS), Econic, High Force, OXECO and Oxford Instruments; as well as ISIS and Diamond facilities. This team is instrumental in shaping the overall CDT ethos and covers a broad spectrum of chemical manufacturing (and business models/sizes) and offers each partner meaningful engagement with the cohort. It encompasses multinationals and SMEs, and spans petrochemicals, catalysts, nano-tech, speciality chemicals, polymers and materials engineering.
Since its founding, SCG has grown continually and diversified into three core businesses, namely SCG Cement-Building Materials, SCG Packaging, and SCG Chemicals. Chemicals Business, SCG, is one of the largest integrated petrochemicals companies in Asia and a key industry leader. They manufacture and supply a full range of petrochemical products ranging from upstream monomers to downstream polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene and MMA. Their President is Mr Tanawong Areeratchakul.
To better serve customers’ requirements, SCG assigns prime importance to the development of new technology and innovation for the creation of high value-added products (HVA) and service solutions, with a commitment to business growth along with contribution to the sustainable advancement of ASEAN and the local communities where they operate.
With over 200-years of sustained commitment to innovation and technological breakthroughs that improve the function, performance and safety of our customer’s products, our science has a global impact in areas such as low emission transport, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing and making the most efficient use of the planet’s natural resources. Today more than 14,000 Johnson Matthey professionals collaborate with our network of customers and partners to make a real difference to the world around us.
Founded in 1845, William Blythe has pioneered the development and application of inorganic chemistry for demanding applications for more than 170 years. They use industry-leading manufacturing technology combined with world-class chemistry R&D and analytical capabilities.
Boron Specialties develops and manufactures chemicals that leverage the unique properties of boron, with specialisation in polyhedral boranes and BN precursors. We often serve as a chemistry technology partner for our customers by supporting new application development in areas like electronics, energy, advanced materials, propellants, and organic synthesis.
Drochaid Research Services Ltd. is a Contract Research Organisation in the area of catalysis and functional materials who started trading in January 2018. Over the previous fifteen year period as part of Sasol they had built up a unique critical mass of equipment and expertise which they maintained during the transition to independent operation.
This allows them to offer world class synthesis, materials characterisation and catalyst testing capabilities. This includes a range of fixed bed, three phase and continuously stirred tank reactors and catalyst characterisation techniques such as surface area and chemisorption analysis, surface spectroscopy (XPS), XRD, catalyst preparation and sample analysis. Many of these are bespoke either by virtue of equipment design or modification.
Econic Technologies offers ground-breaking catalyst technologies that unlock the potential for plastics producers to use waste carbon dioxide streams as a low-cost raw material in polymer production – liberating them from their reliance on expensive petrochemicals, while enabling them to create higher value products through the benefits of carbon dioxide incorporation.
By creating new value from carbon dioxide for the plastics industry, Econic is building a future where a damaging greenhouse gas can be transformed into endless commercial and environmental benefit.
High Force Research offers high quality research and manufacturing services from grams to kilograms. Our core expertise resides in chemical research and development, process optimisation, route design, scale-up and GMP manufacture molecular entities for clinical study. HFR collaborates with start-ups, spin-outs and discovery groups within academia and industry in synthesising new materials for proof of concept studies.
Our main area of business is predominantly in the life sciences sector including pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostics and imaging, however, work also extends into other sectors such as polymers, paints, semiconductors and fine chemicals.
Our science is built on over 20 years of R&D work, originating from the University of Oxford's Department of Chemistry. Now, our chemical surface treatments are reinventing how technologies and products work. Oxford Advanced Surfaces is now a subsidiary of OXECO, the new brand for the patented ONTO™ technology platform. OXECO is a chemtech company focused on commercialising and extracting value out of the ONTO™ technology platform by developing and manufacturing products for upcoming breakthrough innovations. OXECO is situated within Oxford University’s wholly-owned innovation hub, at Begbroke Science Park.
ISIS Neutron and Muon Source produces beams of neutrons and muons that allow scientists to study materials at the atomic level. It supports a national and international community of more than 2000 scientists who use neutrons and muons for research in physics, chemistry, materials science, geology, engineering, and biology.
The OxICFM CDT operates a model in which arising IP will be protected by the University of Oxford in the first instance. Within this model, partners have first refusal on licensing rights arising from aligned research projects.
There are a number of ways that you can get involved as a partner in the OxICFM CDT. For more information or to meet the CDT team, please get in touch.
The OxICFM CDT is also generously supported by several Oxford colleges.