The week commencing 30th January saw the return of RCNDE meetings to London after the covid-19 pandemic necessitated a move to a virtual space in 2020. The cold weather did not deter our academic and industrial attendees, and everyone present was glad of the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discuss new projects.

As is RCNDE tradition, the events were inaugurated by the Industrial Working Group visit, which was hosted by Imperial College London on 31st January. After representatives of some of RCNDE’s industrial members gave presentations on their respective industries’ future NDE requirements, attendees were taken on a guided tour of Imperial’s NDE lab facilities and were familiarised with the research currently undertaken and its future trajectory.

The second day saw us moving to the Millennium Gloucester Hotel for the Technology Transfer event, which is always highly anticipated. Representatives from InnovateUK shared with the audience information on the role of KTPs and KTNs in enabling academia-industry collaboration, thereby outlining new opportunities for RCNDE to advance one of its strategic goals. The rest of the day featured an impressive array of eight technical demonstrations from academic and associate members – the highest number we have ever been able to accommodate, and a testament to the increasing importance of Technology Transfer events for disseminating knowledge and building working relations. Attendees had the opportunity to find out about cutting edge research and technology in the wider NDE sector, ask questions of the experts, and exchange ideas on the applications and potential of the technologies presented.

The events concluded with the Board meeting on 2nd February, where RCNDE’s management team presented to the Board members the first ever RCNDE 5-year strategy, which will help RCNDE ensure the realisation of its long-term vision and mission.

As well as marking a return to London after an extended absence, this January’s meetings were also special in offering RCNDE members the opportunity to bid goodbye to RCNDE’s former director, Prof. Robert Smith, who will be retiring soon. A dinner in his honour took place on the evening of the Technology Transfer day, where a moving speech by the current Director, Caroline Bull, and the presence of former RCNDE directors Chris Scruby and Keith Newton paid tribute to Robert’s contribution and his unique place in RCNDE’s history.

RCNDE would like to thank everyone who attended for their contribution to the success of the meetings, and especially all those who gave presentations and offered demonstrations. The enthusiastic response to the events gives us new impetus for future meetings, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone in the next round of events, which will take place in Liverpool this April.

Featured image shows, from left to right, former RCNDE Directors Chris Scruby and Keith Newton next to Prof. Robert Smith and RCNDE’s current Director, Caroline Bull.