Smith & Nephew has four global business units (GBUs), in Advanced Wound Management, Orthopaedics (Trauma), Orthopaedics (Reconstructive Surgery) and Endoscopy.  The main research is done at York, UK, although further development is done by each of the GBUs.

The Technical Services Group (TSG) at the Research Centre has computer skills in modelling (FEA, natural computing (neural networks, genetic algorithms, etc.), image analysis and more general programming.  It also has first rate laboratories with expertise in histology, microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography and materials testing.  The combination of modelling in very close proximity to laboratories makes validation of some models very convenient.  In addition, project teams from each of the GBU research programmes are in the same building.

S&N was part of a FP6 project as an expolitation partner and would like to join a FP7 project.  It is willing to join either as an exploitation partner or a technical partner.  The TSG is able to be the link between our commercial interests (including possible links to patients), and our research programme.  The TSG is also able to undertake contract testing and measurement for other partners, even if S&N was not a full partner of the consortium.  The website of the TSG is www.smith-nephew.com/uk/tsg/.

Any consortium or collection of partners seeking to form a consortium are welcome to contact me (nick.granville@smith-nephew.com) for an initial discussion to determine if there is any common ground.