Page 16 - SensNews Apr13

S100: Then you left the sensor field? Why?
MB: Not quite true. I taught chemistry at Texas A&M University for
a few years, but wanted to get back to the commercial world, so I
obtained an MBA from MIT. Then I did a variety of things: R&D in
the chemical industry; I ran a fuel cell project; ended up being aVC in
Boston
S100: And now your are back in the UK, writing about sensors
MB: I am. It’s been interesting to reconnect with a lot of people who I
knew many years ago, as well as make a new acquaintances. The tech-
nology has moved on a long way.
S100: So, where do you think the future of sensors is?
MB: I always ask people that, but it’s quite a difficult question to an-
swer. In terms of medical use, after the blood glucose monitor, there
hasn’t been a huge amount of progress. Point of Care instruments are
slowly being adopted - remember medical devices are rarely instant
successes. There is interest in wearable sensors too. There is lot of
research in universities and companies, but getting these kind of prod-
ucts out of the lab and into use is still problematic. But I don’t want
to be pessimistic. With companies like Nokia and Samsung entering
the market, there are major opportunities waiting to be filled
S100: Where will you and Sensor100 be in five years?
MB: I know I’ll still be writing, and I hope it will be about sensors. My
wife thinks I’ll never stop working, and she may well be right.
S100: Relaxation?
MB: Not often! I like Le Carre’s books and occasionally hitting golf
balls, but I’m not very good at that.
S100: We’ll look forward to where you will take Sensor100 next. It will be
interesting.