Four new research centres, which will develop new ways of manufacturing in electronics, laser use in production processes, medical devices and food production, have been awarded £21 million in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of a £45 million package of investments in manufacturing research announced by David Willetts, universities and science minister.
Willetts said: “The UK has a proud history of manufacturing but to build on this success industry needs access to the very latest science and technology. This £45 million package will see our world-class research base investigating innovative new manufacturing equipment and techniques. This will support our industrial strategy in a range of sectors, driving growth and keeping the UK ahead in the global race.”
The new centres, which will begin work later in the year, will involve academics from 15 universities across the UK and over 60 project partners from industry.
EPSRC’s chief executive, Professor David Delpy said: “EPSRC Centres of Innovative Manufacturing are building on previous investments we have made in the research base and combining academic innovation with industry knowledge. They are in areas that are strategically important to the UK and the work there will push research boundaries and drive growth.”
