MATRIX - the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel

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Matrix is an industry-led panel advising government and informing academia and industry on the commercial exploitation of research and development (R and D) and science and technology. The panel produces regular, in depth reports which outline the work, findings and recommendations of its specialist sub panels. These reports are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in how new technologies and market opportunities can be developed within the Northern Ireland economy and beyond.

Matrix

The main panel is comprised of nineteen business and academic leaders, supported by a small secretariat team based in the Department for the Economy. The chair of the panel is Dr Rob Grundy. Other panel members include Professor Jim McLaughlin OBE, Patricia O’Hagan MBE and Bombardier’s Gavin Campbell.

See the full panel at: The Matrix website - panel

What Matrix does

The Matrix panel commissions research, analysis and studies, to help DfE build the evidence base for future science and R and D policies within wider innovation policy.

The Matrix panel advises in three main areas:

  • key R and D and science and technology issues affecting business innovation
  • the emerging strategic technology priorities impacting on Northern Ireland’s economy
  • the promotion of a culture of innovation and the importance of R and D and science and technology in the future, particularly with business and in regard to commercial exploitation activities.

Find out more about what Matrix does: Matrix website - about Matrix

Matrix reports

The first Matrix report, a technology capability report and five overarching Horizon Panel reports were launched by the Minister on 8 October 2008. These reports focussed on the following five sectors:

  • advanced manufacturing
  • advanced materials
  • information and communications technology (ICT)
  • agri-food
  • life and health sciences

Since then they have produced a range of reports on emerging and established technology sectors.

See all current sectors: 

You can see all the Matrix reports as well as selection of reports they have used for research in their online library.

Visit:

Further information

Matrix has a comprehensive outreach and communications programme and supports several events which promote STEM skills including the Northern Ireland Science Festival, ESB Science Blast and the Airwaves STEM Village. Matrix is also a member of the Heads of Horizon Scanning Network and the Northern Ireland All Party STEM Group.

Matrix has an events calendar which brings together all the science & technology events in Northern Ireland. It collates all live SBRIs and other funding competitions available to NI businesses. And it sends out a regular briefing email to subscribers. You can follow Matrix on Twitter at @MATRIX_NI

For more information contact Vicky Newman, Matrix Communications Manager: Vicky.newman@economy-ni.gov.uk

 

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