This paper discusses the development of research in NDE and its impact on industry. Examples will be given of past research projects that have been translated into solutions to industrial inspection problems, and present day challenges to industry and the NDE research community. Recurring themes include the need for quantification, and physical models to give scientific understanding and hence improved confidence for product quality and safety-critical application. Timely technology transfer is a continuing challenge and lessons from past experience will be discussed. Finally, the author will discuss future research strategy, including opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in order to integrate NDE more effectively into the engineering life cycle.