In Honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Center For Process Analytical Chemistry

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Sept. 10, 2004

IN HONOR OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CENTER FOR PROCESS ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to say a few words in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Center for Process Analytical Chemistry, located on the University of Washington campus. The center has made numerous contributions to the world of manufacturing, the University of Washington, and the progress of its students that I wish to recognize today.

In 1984, CPAC was initiated by the National Science Foundation as an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center with the specific mission of supporting the restoration and continuous improvement of U.S. industry by enhancing globally competitive manufacturing.

Through the discovery and development of new analytical technologies for use in the manufacturing process, CPAC research has developed new measurement tools to provide continuous real-time measurement needed for industrial and environmental processes. The information gathered with these tools is used to implement process optimization and control, thus enabling product and process quality management, environmental protection, pollution prevention, crisis alerting, and worker safety.

For 20 years, award-winning faculty, research scientists, postdoctoral associates, visiting scientists, and graduate students have gathered at CPAC to collaborate on research projects. As a result, over 100 graduate students have been granted their Ph.D.s while working with CPAC, making immediate contributions to their employers because of their exposure to the challenges of industry.

Through partnership with leaders in industry, and the sharing of research funding between the University of Washington, leading global corporations such as the Boeing Company and Systematix Controls, several national laboratories, and the National Institute of Standards & Technology, CPAC has produced more than 20 patented inventions, meeting the demand for advanced technology in the aerospace, petroleum, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Streamlining the manufacturing process is critical to meeting the ever-changing demands of the world's economy. Long-term economic trends-including technological advances and increasing globalization-will continue to increase the demand for greater efficiencies, and improved processes. The fact that the majority of original industry partners continue to work with the CPAC to improve their products is a testament to the relevancy and quality of the work conducted at the center. I congratulate the Center for Process Analytical Chemistry on their 20th anniversary.