At first sight, this subject might seem purely academic but, having read the background to her thesis, the Trustees realised just how relevant the research would be to today�s ferrous wire industry: how medieval solutions to technological challenges and traditional craft technologies can be applied to and benefit present day wire industries, as Rebecca outlined in her application to the Trust. The IWMA asked Rebecca to provide some background information and this is reproduced below:

Rebecca Slater graduated from the University of Bradford with a First Class Honours degree in the summer of 2003. Shortly after graduating, she flew to Milan where she attended and presented her research at an international archaeo-metallurgy conference. Following this, she returned to Bradford to take-up a position as a postgraduate research student and is currently studying for a PhD, looking at iron wire and wire products used and manufactured in the Medieval Period. Rebecca commented: �My interest in wire production and quality has developed from an enthusiasm for archaeo-metallurgy acquired whilst studying for my undergraduate degree. Metals technology underpins the very foundations of the society we live in and the manipulation of metal into wires is a prime and exquisite example of this. For thousands of years, wire has been exploited and its ubiquity has led to the development and progression of many industries and technological achievements throughout history. The craft, skill and huge technological challenge posed by the production of high-quality wire products presents me with a fascinating challenge. There is so much to be learnt from the study of the production of early, high-quality wire, yet despite the obvious importance of archaeological wire and its role through the ages. It has rarely been researched prior to this study. This research will not only appeal to historians and archaeologists, but it will also be of huge interest and benefit to the present day wire industry�.

�Winning the IWMA Educational Trust Fund Award means such a great deal to me, clich�d though it may sound it really will impact on my life�, added Rebecca. �The decision to embark upon a PhD project requires a huge financial sacrifice as sponsorship and support within the field is scarce. The IWMA award will provide me with the opportunity to continue and complete my research, financially securing my position within the University. Without the support from the IWMA, the project may not have progressed to completion due to financial strains. The award will crucially enable me to promote the research to a wider audience through publications and conferences. Raising awareness of this important research is paramount to progressing this field of research and will hopefully lead to further opportunities. I would like to thank all the people that have helped me with my application, especially Michael Roughton and Nigel Lane at Cold Drawn Products, for their support and for initially taking the chance and nominating me. Thank you also to the IWMA Educational Trust Award Fund panel for providing me with such a fantastic opportunity. Finally, I must extend my continuing thanks to Dr. Gerry McDonnell for his invaluable advice and support�.