Britain’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in conjunction with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a new £85 million grant system for “three key technologies” – Robotics and Autonomous systems, Advanced Materials and Grid-scale energy storage.
“For Britain to get ahead in the global race, we have to back emerging technologies and ensure our universities have the latest equipment,” says the UK’s Minister for Universities and Science, David Willetts. “This capital investment will help scientists make new discoveries and take their research through to commercial success. It will drive growth and support the Government’s industrial strategy.”
The University of Glasgow is one of the institutes that will receive a portion of the £85 million grants, which will be used to fund research and development in electronic and optical components.
According to their announcement, the money will be used for “the development of more efficient power electronics, which could improve the lifespan of batteries in many consumer electronic devices as well as reduce their carbon footprint”. Furthermore, research will touch on solar energy, the development of a “superspectral” imaging camera and finally, new industry advancements in gas sensing solutions.
Professor Douglas Paul, Director of the University’s James Watt Nanofabrication Centre, was an integral member of the university’s funding bid. “Recent start-ups related to the research on which this award is based include Intellemetrics, Intense, Kymata, Kelvin Nanotechnology, Gold Standard Simulations, Mode Diagnostics and Xanic,” he said. “The University of Glasgow also pioneered the use of Easy Access IP, a fast-track route for the transfer of knowledge and experience from universities into industry, maximizing the benefits of funded research for the UK economy and society.”
“We’re pleased that the EPSRC accepted our funding bid and we’re looking forward to helping support the UK’s efforts to become a more energy-efficient nation.”
Irish journalist writing on business, tech and engineering.
