New Fellows Seminar
Wednesday, 7 May 2008

Science and innovation in the 21st century
by Professor Roderick Boswell

Roderick Boswell is active in the fields of plasma processing of surfaces for microelectronics and optoelectronics, plasma thrusters, fuel cells as well as basic linear and non-linear processes in plasmas. He is interested in discovering interesting phenomena and using them in practical ways. His helicon reactor is a fascinating research experiment and an effective processing tool in the microelectronics industry. Recently he has become interested in applying electric double layers to astrophysical phenomena and to space propulsion. He is the co-inventor of the WEDGE virtual reality theatre, a number of which are now installed in museums. He has published over 100 papers in major international journals, been granted seven patents, given about 50 invited lectures in international conferences and presented his group's work to many industrialists in many countries.

A new century requires a new vision of how state financed research institutions interact with fully commercial industrial companies. Is the common weal served by intensive applied research being carried out in public institutions where it should be financed directly by industry? Is this invoking unfair competitive advantage? How can trans-national free trade agreements be satisfied? The academies need a well thought out strategy that can be the catalyst for public debate.