£30 million boost for new materials chemistry centre
26th March 2009: The Northwest of England is set to become an international hub for materials chemistry research following the launch today of a new £30 million ‘virtual’ Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC).
Formally launched by the Rt. Hon John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills – the KCMC brings together leading edge academic research and expertise in the Universities of Bolton, Liverpool and Manchester with the Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory.
It will provide a single point of access for industry to a wide spectrum of multi-disciplinary research in applied materials chemistry, in order to achieve innovative knowledge transfer for companies of all sizes.
Materials chemistry covers a broad range of science and technology competencies that are crucial in delivering product innovations in fields as diverse as bio-medical devices, pharmaceuticals, personal care products coatings, electronic materials and renewable energy sources.
Initial funding of £8 million from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is matched by £7 million of academic commitment and resources by the academic partner institutions. This investment will provide the Northwest with an internationally renowned capability in materials chemistry and is set to leverage further industry and international grant income in excess of £15 million over the next five years.
Speaking at the launch, the newly appointed Director Dr John Conti-Ramsden Director said: “The creation of the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry provides a unique opportunity for the UK chemistry-using industry to harness the knowledge and expertise of our world class science base as a key driver in delivering the innovative products and process required in the future”.
The investment will create up to 20 new high value jobs and establish many new opportunities for work based training that will enhance the science skills and expertise of UK chemistry-using companies. The initial focus of the centre will seek to create over 200 new collaborations between UK-based companies and the knowledge base embedded in the academic partner institutions.
With a dedicated team of 15 new project scientists, the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry will work in collaboration with industry on translational research projects that will enable companies to develop new commercial opportunities. An independent knowledge transfer team hosted by Chemistry Innovation - the Knowledge Transfer Network for the UK chemistry-using industries - will develop and manage the collaborative research projects, drive increased industrial R&D spend and ensure the services of the centre are effectively linked to industry need.