After launching the Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium (FISC) and securing over GBP 35 million in funding to grow the UK’s innovation capabilities, Dr Graham Hillier FRSA will retire as FISC chair at the end of March.
From April the pioneering partnership will be co-chaired by FISC partners Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures and David Knowles, CEO of the Henry Royce Institute.
They will oversee FISC’s mission to deliver global innovation in low carbon, resource efficient sustainable solutions that will help transform and decarbonise the vital Foundation Industries of glass, cement, ceramics, chemicals, metals, paper and polymers.
Funded by Innovate UK, FISC has delivered two major EconoMISER projects working across six cross-cutting themes of alternative fuels, digital controls and sensing, process optimisation, sustainable materials, the circular economy and training and skills.
Professor David Knowles, Royce CEO said, “It has been a privilege being part of the genesis of FISC under Graham’s leadership – his energy has driven us from a standing start to the delivery of two major projects squarely aimed at ensuring a much more sustainable future for the sector. I would like to acknowledge his dedication in fostering collaboration across all the partners and his commitment to securing the all-important funding that is instrumental in driving the research and innovation required by this critical group of industries.
“Royce will continue to play a central role in FISC, and, alongside Justin, I very much look forward to building on Graham’s legacy and working with all the excellent FISC partners, each bringing a unique capability to this mission.”
Justin Kelly, CEO of Glass Futures added, “It’s a privilege to be co-chair alongside David. I am eager to build on Graham’s legacy, which has driven us from the start to the successful completion of two transformative projects. These initiatives have achieved significant advancements in low carbon innovation and resource efficiency toward reducing CO₂ emissions. We deeply appreciate his unwavering commitment to fostering collaboration among the FISC partners.
“Looking ahead, Glass Futures is excited to continue playing a pivotal role in FISC. Together with all the exceptional FISC partners, we will push the boundaries of sustainability, harnessing our collective expertise to pioneer new solutions and drive the next wave of innovation for a greener, more sustainable future.”