“What is defeat? Nothing but education, nothing but the first step toward something better.”– Wendell Phillips, Abolitionist

I love that quote and, particularly this month, it reminds me of the amazing people who are involved in research and development. They must be incredibly determined and continually optimistic. Why else would they be willing (and able!) to go through so much trial and error on a daily basis?

This issue includes our exclusive annual R&D Lab Equipment and Instrumentation Directory, a handy tool to help those of you who are focused on R&D quickly find the best supplier for your specific needs.* The Address Index includes complete contact information for each of the suppliers listed, while the quick-search chart details the specific products offered by each company. The online version of the directory, available at http://directories.ceramicindustry.com/randddirectory, is searchable by product or category and includes extras such as hotlinks, spec sheets, and videos for select suppliers.

While our staff made every effort to contact the entire community of suppliers to our industry, we may have inadvertently missed some. If you are a supplier of equipment or instrumentation for R&D and would like to be included, please contact AnnaMarie McCann at (610) 436-4220, ext. 8518, or email mccanna@bnpmedia.com for pricing and additional details.

In this issue, we’re also covering research from Northwestern University that involves using DNA to transform nanoparticles into orderly crystal, as well as an optical fiber project led by EPFL that could lead to a 10-fold improvement in telecommunication systems throughput.

Are you involved in R&D? What keeps you motivated every day? We’d love to hear your story! Please contact me at (330) 336-4098 or suttons@bnpmedia.com.

 *Supplier listings indicate paid advertising. Contact AnnaMarie McCann at mccanna@bnpmedia.com for pricing and additional details.