Considering that pretty much everything around us touches a supply chain, whether we realise it or not, there are a lot of potential examples! In a research context it is possible to occupy many roles in a supply chain; we can be the source of information that is used by others, the consumer of information from collaborators, a value adding processor of information when we provide an interpretation or analysis or the catalyst that stimulates the creation of a supply chain when we ask a question. A typical example of adding value is when we are asked to help provide an explanation of system or material behaviour using specialist resources – we take information, and sometimes physical specimens, perform an analysis and provide new information that helps to improve understanding of the particular situation or problem. The customer then uses the additional information to improve their knowledge and understanding and, typically, makes more informed choices as a result.