Much of the research conducted within UoA33 is experimental. The contribution of in-house technical staff is significant and provision has been made over the period of assessment via staff development to ensure that their expertise and skills are current. Technical staff have during the period of assessment obtained undergraduate and masters degrees in appropriate disciplines. Dr Masson (seconded from SBE to the UU Educational Development Unit and not included in this submission) made a successful bid for £2,099,255 to HEFCE under their Open and Distance Learning Initiative.