[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 107 (Friday, September 10, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9074]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 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.

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