The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)’s Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES) has become a strategic partner of InForm, a €1.7 million EU funded project involving 17 world-leading research institutions and major companies, led by The University of Manchester in UK.
InForm, which stands for 'Integrating Nanomaterials in Formulation', aims to encourage the transfer of ideas and knowledge amongst top scientists around the world to provide a boost to the field of formulation science through a variety of tools, such as scientific forums, technical workshops and fact-finding missions. Formulation science is a field of research that studies the blending and mixing of various raw materials to create novel products ranging from tablets and inhalers to emulsions and creams.
Specifically, the InForm platform will allow formulation scientists to share best practices on the use of nanomaterials in formulations. It will focus its efforts on six priority areas: the formulation of nano-bio materials; the handling and processing of nanopowders; process intensification and soft nanomaterial formulations; physical chemistry at the nanoscale; the nanoscale and the formulation of smart and functional coatings, films and tapes; and toxicology and other health effects of nanomaterials.
Dr Keith Carpenter, Executive Director of ICES, commented: “ICES is the only Singaporean partner in this international network of formulation science experts. Through the networking opportunities provided by this platform, ICES will be able to work with industry players to better understand consumer needs, and develop advanced technological solutions for use in the marketplace. I am proud that ICES is part of this collaboration that raises the profile of Singapore in the field of formulation science, and is in the position to build and impart new knowledge to advance the chemicals industry in Singapore.”
InForm will be organising a conference, entitled NanoFormulation2011, in July 2011 in Singapore as a specialised symposium under the auspices of the International Conference on Materials for Advanced Technologies (ICMAT) 2011. The conference will gather the global scientific community in nanoformulation to share and exchange ideas, and foster collaborations with relevant international partners.
