Experimental approach for swift technological advancements

In the realm of Research and Development (R&D), a shift towards a more data-driven approach is gaining traction. This new methodology, championed by Johnson Matthey's principal scientist, Pilar Gomez-Jimenez, is set to be the focus of a live stream seminar titled Smart trial and error for rapid innovation, hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute.

Gomez-Jimenez, with a master's degree and a PhD in chemical engineering, advocates for an exploratory mindset towards experimentation. She sees no disadvantages to this approach, as it helps scientists and engineers work more productively and extract more valuable insights from their experiments.

Many experts in R&D today retain a traditional experimentation mindset, moving one variable at a time. However, Gomez-Jimenez's strategic, data-driven approach allows for the active manipulation of factors according to a pre-specified plan. This method can provide a useful, new understanding of relationships between inputs and outputs.

Julia O'Neill, the founder and principal of Direxa Consulting, shares this vision. O'Neill, with over 30 years' experience using statistics and chemical engineering, advises diving into JMP software without fear of failure. Visualization, she believes, is key to demonstrating the value of this process to the wider organization, without needing an in-depth knowledge of statistical analysis.

The seminar's keynote will be from JMP's principal research fellow, Bradley Jones. The event will take place on 19 March 2020, from 1000 - 1200, at Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK, or online. Registration can be made at jmp.com/statistically-speaking.

Embracing a statistically designed approach to experiments can help to shorten and make projects more predictable. Improved predictability helps with planning and enables more efficient ways of working. This approach also helps scientists design and analyse results rapidly and in a visual way.

O'Neill has seen how introducing statistically designed experiments can help change an organization's approach. With the right tools, organizations can make better decisions faster and meet project milestones more predictably. The upcoming seminar promises to be a valuable resource for those looking to adopt this approach in their work.