A few years ago, I began talking to some researchers around the world about the need for communication among laboratories conducting research on radio frequency identification systems and applications. I had contacts with many of the researchers, but they did not know each other. It seemed to me that labs working in isolation were doing the same research and duplicating efforts.
To foster an understanding of the research going on globally, RFID Journal hosted several events for academics in conjunction with RFID Journal LIVE!, our largest conference and exhibition. Relationships were established, and eventually, several leading academic institutions came together to create the Global RF Lab Alliance (GRFLA).
GRFLA now includes RFID centers of excellence worldwide, and its purpose is to enhance communication and collaboration mechanisms, share resources and expand the work of the RFID centers beyond their own initiatives. As a result, the organization helped to stimulate larger RFID initiatives, which a single research center could not undertake on its own. It has developed RFID feasibility studies, pilot applications and testing in the areas of retailing, fast-moving consumer goods, automotive, aviation, logistics, cold chain, pharmaceutical, health care, and fashion and apparel.
The group has also created a quarterly international scientific journal, the International Journal of RF Technologies: Research and Applications. To date, the journal has been published by Taylor and Francis Books, and has been edited by Bill Hardgrave, the executive director of the Information Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and the director of the University of Arkansas’ RFID Research Center. In 2010, it will be published by IOS Press, and will be edited by Antonio Rizzi, head of the University of Parma’s RFID Lab.
Recently, GRFLA appointed Dieter Uckelmann, manager of the University of Bremen’s LogDynamics Lab, as its president for the term of 2010 to 2012. The group will consider admitting up to two new labs each year, and up to 20 new members. New members are expected to participate actively in the group’s research activities, and to financially support their own involvement, though joining GRFLA does not require an annual fee.
Both academics and industrial labs will be considered. To demonstrate their RFID research activity, proponents should have at least two papers published (or awaiting publication) in the International Journal of RF Technologies: Research and Applications.
The journal is currently requesting submissions for its next issue. To learn more, visit www.iospress.nl/loadtop/load.php?isbn=17545730.
Mark Roberti is the founder and editor of RFID Journal. If you would like to comment on this article, click on the link below. To read more of Mark’s opinions, visit the RFID Journal Blog or click here.