Chemicals Research and Development

Chemical research and development stretches the limits in new applications and technology
By Katherine Kay Chemical research development is engaged in the pursuit of new products, knowledge and services that are an improvement over the past or present. This research is a methodical, but also creative, original and investigative process that helps companies grow and progress in their industry.
 

Chemistry research uses science and math techniques in a systematic manner to find better ways of doing business, better devices, products and manufactured goods. Most companies only spend about 5% of their revenue on research and development. However, a few industries such as pharmaceuticals, software and semiconductors usually spend a lot more—chemistry fits into those categories sometimes. Consider the following when thinking about R&D for your chemical applications and business:

1. Find basic chemical engineering research institutions that make discoveries and move society forward.

2. Pursue applied chemicals industry research and development to bring new products to consumers.

3. Use chemistry R&D forums, blogs and other resources.

Locate basic chemical materials research institutions that move society forward

Basics research is the kind of research often pursued by government, education and larger businesses. This research will help many people in many ways over the long term.
Try: Southern Research is a non-profit that takes on a lot of basic research. Government agencies like the NIH use this group frequently. They work with chemicals in energy and environment, technology and engineering and medicine. The chemistry department at Brookhaven National Laboratory is located on Long Island. This lab is associated with the U.S. Department of Energy. They work with innovative and leading edge chemistry applications such as ionizing radiation, combustion, catalysis science, nanoscience, surface electrocatalysis and electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The Chemical department at Argonne is another national chemistry and science group. They do work for the Department of Energy (DOE), for instance. Ask them your questions about energy and catalysis conversion, nuclear and electrochemical energy and processes and national security applications.

Pursue applied chemical market research to improve products and services for consumers

Applied research is the kind of research that companies do to improve the bottom line. By doing so, companies grow and progress as they discover and implement improved products.
Try: Intertek has state-of-the-art chemical lab-testing facilities for chemicals. They do chemistry testing for oil and gas, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, mining and minerals and consumer products. Boulder Scientific is an innovative R&D business specializing in synthesis of boranes, borates, silanes, organometallics and other organic compounds.

Use chemicals R&D forums, measurement standards and other resources

Chemicals research and development is a process that involves investigation and creative discovery. That's why resources with a wealth of information have popped up offering forums, directories, tools and membership services for people interested in electronics and semiconductor R&D.
Try: Use the Chemical Science and Technology Lab to find measurement standards for all kinds of chemistry applications. This is the official site for United States chemistry. Diagnostic Chemicals sends out top-notch chemistry newsletters. Chemistry Resources is a popular forum to find out about everything “Chemical.” This is a very active forum with popular chemistry links, blogs and other helpful information and tools.

• Governmental, educational and big business institutions will have funds for basic research. Smaller companies generally do applied research, but the budget is more limited. If you are a smaller company, be sure to talk to a business consultant about how much money your company should apply to chemical market research and development to stay current and competitive. If you are doing high-tech research, you will need to spend more than the 5% most companies spend on R&D.