New investment aims to establish UK as global graphene research hub

First discovered at the University of Manchester by Professors Andre Geim and Konstatin Novoselov, graphene is the thinnest, strongest and most conductive material ever discovered. 200 times stronger than steel yet less than an atom thick, it has a wide range of potential uses, including electronics, flexible touch screens, sensors and composite materials. The investment will be used to help establish the UK as a graphene research and technology hub, with funding from the EPSRC and the Technology Strategy Board. "This significant investment in graphene will drive growth and innovation, create high tech jobs and keep the UK at the very forefront of this rapidly evolving area of science," said Willetts. "With a Nobel Prize and hundreds of published papers under their belts, scientists in the UK have already demonstrated that we have real strengths in this area. The graphene hub will build on this by taking this research through to commercial success." Willetts said a key element of the hub will be a national institute of graphene research and commercialisation activities. The University of Manchester has been confirmed as the single supplier invited to submit a proposal for funding a new £45m national institute, which will offer access to specialist facilities and equipment which enable the simulation of manufacturing processes. "Creating a national graphene institute here at The University of Manchester would allow our world class scientists and researchers to further explore the limitless potential of graphene," noted Prof Geim. "To have such a facility here is a testament to the expertise at the university and will offer fantastic opportunities for Manchester researchers to work closely with industry and business."