The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced funding for 10 research projects that are expected to develop new and exciting functional materials, as well as accelerate the application of the materials. The projects, which will involve 17 universities, are receiving funding of £32.1million.
Welcoming the announcement Business Secretary Vince Cable, pictured, said: "Working with academia and industry to support game-changing manufacturing projects like these is at the heart of the Government's industrial strategy. By supporting the jump from the manufacturing lab to the market place, we are driving innovation, creating valuable new jobs and delivering economic growth that will secure the UK's global leadership for decades to come."
Amongst the projects are:
* developing thin film materials and novel manufacturing methods for wearable technology;
* developing the materials needed for the new class of photonic integrated circuits for use in communications, sensors, imaging and lighting; and
* developing advanced fabrication processes for gallium nitride and related materials.
Professor Philip Nelson, EPSRC's CEO, said: "These grants for functional materials research will take advantage of the excellent capability that exists across the UK. The level of partnership between universities and industry means they are well positioned to advance the exploitation of the knowledge and discoveries of our pioneering scientists and engineers. These are really exciting projects that can add to the long term prosperity of our country."
Author
Graham Pitcher
Source: www.newelectronics.co.uk