A team of academics from the University of Bradford has deemed the four-year endeavor known as Project CAYMAN a resounding triumph. The initiative, which aimed to grant small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access to cutting-edge scientific analysis, garnered significant praise from various stakeholders. Originally funded for three years with £1.6m from the European Regional Development Fund, the project received an additional nine-month extension due to its outstanding success.
Over the course of the last four years, Project CAYMAN has enabled 65 SMEs to obtain highly specialized scientific analysis of materials that would otherwise be beyond their reach. Leveraging nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the University’s team thoroughly examines the molecular structures of diverse substances. This newfound knowledge has empowered many of these SMEs to develop innovative products, potentially leading to job creation within the region.
According to Dr. Richard Telford, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Director of the Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis, Project CAYMAN has served as an exceptional platform for the University of Bradford to engage with regional SMEs and showcase its expertise and world-class facilities. Notably, the project has surpassed all output targets established by the ERDF, despite operating under challenging COVID-19 restrictions. This achievement solidifies the University’s ability to undertake similar regeneration projects in the future.
The core objective of Project CAYMAN, conceived by the faculty at the University of Bradford’s Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis, seeks to furnish SMEs in the Leeds City Region with access to analytical chemistry proficiency and state-of-the-art facilities. The endeavor specifically emphasizes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, an essential technique used for both quality control and research purposes. NMR spectroscopy enables the determination of sample content, purity, and molecular structure, making it indispensable in various industries.
Through its resounding success, Project CAYMAN has demonstrated the University of Bradford’s commitment to fostering industrial progress and fostering beneficial collaborations with regional SMEs. This accomplishment serves as a solid foundation for future regeneration projects and showcases the University’s ability to deliver exceptional results even in the face of challenging circumstances.
