Members Present |
|
Dr Roger King (Chair) |
University of Exeter |
|
Mr Richard Long |
Ewan Associates |
|
Mr Brendan McAndrew |
Ewan Associates |
|
Prof Dragan Savic |
University of Exeter |
|
Prof Adrian Saul |
University of Sheffield |
|
Dr Peter Skipworth |
SEAMS |
|
Dr Tiku Tanyimboh |
University of Liverpool |
|
Prof Godfrey Walters |
University of Exeter |
|
4.01 |
Apologies |
|
Apologies were received from Sarah
Adam, Annette Bramley, Leo Kiernan, Soon Thiam Khu, Mark Worsfold,
Andrew Southall, Dennis Grimshaw, Elliot Gill, Ray Cummings, Linda
Brady, Hoi Yeung, Cedo Maksimovic and Richard Ashley.
GAW explained that RK had joined
Exeter as a Business Fellow and had agreed to chair ACTUI. |
|
4.02 |
Proposal on Academic
Placements |
|
GAW explained that there was funding
within ACTUI that could be used to support short period placements
of researchers with other network groups. Only travel and
accommodation costs in the UK would be covered. This could be used
either from academic group to academic group, or to and from
industry for a few days. It is anticipated that those benefiting
from this arrangement should write a brief (single page) post-visit
report describing how well the scheme functioned, together with
recommendations for improvement, if necessary, and some general
(non-commercial) observations and conclusions. Applications should
be made in the first instance through Sarah Adam. |
|
4.03 |
Academic Industrial Consultation |
|
It was agreed that the network should
offer a free initial enquiry system from academics to industry.
Willing academic groups would offer up to half a day free
consultation on matters relevant to ACTUI. This would include
problem assessment/definition and identification of the most
relevant expertise and which academic member/s might be best suited
to provide specialist help. |
|
|
4.04 |
CCWI
2003 |
|
GAW reported that ACTUI were to
organise a session at Advances In Water Supply (CCWI) conference at
Imperial College in September 15-17th 2003. GAW/SA to follow up with
organisers and circulate members. |
|
|
4.05 |
ACTUI Seminars for Industry |
|
GAW suggested future meetings should
be based on seminars with strong industrial attraction. RK explained
his survey and canvassing of firms. Discussion followed about
several proposed topics and timing. The most likely topic was the
general area of "decision making under uncertainty". This could
include how to deal with inadequate or inaccurate data, how to cope
with uncertain predictions and performance, risk based modelling
etc. Other topics mentioned and discarded after discussion were
pigging, in-line monitoring of water quality and leakage caused by
pressure surge. The seminars would address problems and techniques
in simple terms with worked examples where possible. RK will
further canvass industry and academic institutions to agree topics
and secure sufficient papers and presentations from members. A
tentative date for the first seminar is March 19th 2003 and a draft
proposal for this will be circulated before Christmas. The venue, to
be confirmed later is likely to be either at London (UKWIR) or
Birmingham. |
|
|
4.06 |
Report on
Collaborative research projects |
|
Pennine Group (Sheffield/Bradford)
and Exeter in collaboration with several industrial members have
secured EPSRC funding for the project Whole Life Costing of
Sewerage, which starts early 2003.
AS reported that there had been
several awards involving members under the EPSRC SUE initiative.
(Sheffield, Bradford, Imperial college were the academic groups
mentioned). Several members were also involved in the EPSRC Flooding
consortium that was in the formation process. General interest in
STI was also mentioned by the Pennine Group, who said they would
provide details later.
It was suggested that SA put a
guide/links to sources of funding on the web, largely for the
benefit of industrial members wishing to collaborate with academics. |
|
|
4.07 |
Framework 6 Proposals
|
|
DAS explained Exeter involvement with
others on proposals for funding under the future European Framework
6 programme. DAS agreed to link ACTUI web site to the Expressions
of Interest web site. |
|
|
4.08 |
Future of ACTUI |
|
As ACTUI is now half way through the
3 years of funding, we needed to consider its future. It was agreed
that we should continue, but this is dependent to some extent on
industrial funding. RK reported his belief that the ODOURS network
was self sustaining with modest membership fees. SWIG was also
mentioned as a good model, and Pete Skipworth offered to send RK
details of SWIG constitution and aims together with contact details
for Michael Scott, the SWIG 'founder'. It was also suggested that
should the proposed March 2003 seminar be successful, the seminar
theme could be adopted as the focus of ACTUI, embracing asset
management and management and operational risk. |
|
|
4.08 |
Any Other Business
|
|
No other business. |
|
|
4.09 |
Date of next meeting
|
|
A date for the next meeting will be
set once the outline details for the March Seminar are agreed
through e-mail and telephone contact with members. |