Universities get £22m for practical research into ‘super-material’

Manchester University academics Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov won the 2010 Nobel Prize in physics for demonstrating the remarkable properties of graphene – a kind of two-dimensional carbon which is one of the thinnest, lightest, strongest and most conductive materials now known.

Now it is hoped that the material will be used in industrial and everyday applications, allowing potentially lucrative technological breakthroughs in areas ranging from electronics to energy generation and telecommunications.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has identified the most promising graphene-related research projects in UK universities to benefit from the cash.

Cambridge University will get more than £12m for research into graphene flexible electronics and opto-electronics, which could include things like touch-screens and other display devices.

London’s Imperial College will receive more than £4.5m to investigate aerospace applications of graphene, working with industrial partners including Airbus.

The other projects are based at Durham University, the University of Manchester, the University of Exeter and Royal Holloway. The universities will work with partners including Nokia, BAE Systems, Procter & Gamble, Qinetiq, Rolls-Royce, Dyson, Sharp and Philips Research, who will contribute £12m.

Universities Minister David Willetts said: “This significant investment will support cutting-edge research projects to find everyday uses for graphene.

“They will foster innovation, drive growth and help the UK get ahead in the global race.”