Apr 4 2013
Willetts announces £85 million research capital fund for developments in advanced materials, grid-scale energy storage, and robotics and autonomous systems.
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is to invite capital bids against an £85 million fund to increase the strength and productivity of the research base within three technologies:
- Advanced Materials (£30 million)
- Grid-scale Energy Storage (£30 million)
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems (£25 million)
The call will build on the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement of additional capital funding for the eight Great British technologies in last autumn’s pre-Budget statement.
Announcing the forthcoming call David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: “The Government’s investment in the eight great technologies will drive growth and help secure the UK’s high-tech future. This £85 million capital fund will boost our research capability in advanced materials, energy storage and robotics and autonomous systems. It will keep the UK at the forefront of science and innovation.”
Professor David Delpy, EPSRC Chief Executive said: “This call will focus on building capability in areas that are vital for the country and where we are already carrying out exciting research. The work will help develop new ways of storing power, new materials that can aid manufacturing and other industries, and further developing how autonomous systems communicate, learn and work with humans.”
Full details of the call will be available on the EPSRC website shortly. For further information please contact the EPSRC Press Office on 01793 444404 or [email protected]