On the 8th November the Manufacturing Engineering Centre (co-ordinator of the I*PROMS Network) at Cardiff University was visited by the European Commissioner for Science and Research, Dr Janez Potočnik who is responsible for the Research Directorate-General. During his visit, Commissioner Potočnik was shown round the work of the MEC, and was given a short presentation on the I*PROMS network.

During the tour Commissioner Potočnik was shown the hi-tech facilities of the MEC including the micro-manufacturing laboratories, rapid prototyping facilities and the metrology lab where the I*PROMS supported Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is located.

Dr Potočnik said: “I'm glad that Cardiff has recognised the importance of building partnerships in science with its partners in Europe and beyond. FP7 will see an increase in funds over its 7 years and I'm sure that Cardiff will be in a position to build on the positive experience of the past to increase its participation in the programme.”