NanoKTN Awards EPSRC Studentships

13 Jul 2011

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK’s primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, is pleased to announce that after initially awarding three EPSRC studentships in May 2011, it has allocated an additional three Awards to exceptional projects at the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and Sheffield. The research projects will focus on polymer based dye-sensitized solar cells, additives to improve the adhesion and performance of inks, and anti-microbial agents in nanohydroxyapatite coatings for titanium implants.

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The NanoKTN had an exceptionally high number of applications this year, all of which were of a very high standard. The NanoKTN therefore highlighted these projects to the EPSRC for consideration and funds became available recently which enabled the NanoKTN to award 3 additional studentships.

SmartKem believes that the PETEC test results confirm these organic semiconductor materials are now aligned with the current and future performance requirements of printable transistors for the implementation of flexible drive electronics for display-based applications such as ePaper, HD-LCD and OLED.

Henry Snaith, University of Oxford, will work with Oxford Photovoltaics Ltd to advance polymer based solid-state dye sensitized solar cells to become the dominant technology for low cost organic and dye-sensitized solar cells, with a targeted efficiency of over 10%. The commercial benefits of the research will be enormous if this class of solar cell proves to be the dominant PV technology. The PV market was over $10 Bn in 2010 and despite the economic crisis is expected to be over $20Bn in 2011.

Dr Stephen Rimmer, University of Sheffield will work with Domino UK Ltd to design polymeric additives that can migrate to the nano-scale region between a substrate and a coated ink.

Dr Artemis Stamboulis at the University of Birmingham has been awarded funding to work with Stryker Osteosynthesis. The project aims to develop a ceramic coating for titanium screws with antibacterial and osseo-conductive properties for orthopaedic applications and prove feasibility on a commercially available titanium bone screw. The ultimate benefit will be proven in challenging screw applications in which infection control and implant fixation stability are currently real clinical issues.

These collaborative studentships are allocated by UK Research Councils and are a unique way of linking academic research with industrial need. Collaborative studentships are supported by companies that offer funding to students, in addition to their already secured EPSRC funding. By offering these opportunities, the NanoKTN aims to encourage further development of the UK’s growing nanotechnology market and help companies gain commercially from the research.

All the applications this year have been of a very high standard, making it difficult to decide where to award funding. With the additional studentships, we have been able to reward young scientists and encourage more academic research into nanotechnology which continues to be recognised as an important area of investment”, says Alec Reader, Director, NanoKTN.

Further information about the NanoKTN can be found on the website at www​.nanok​tn​.com.

Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, a leading technology development and consulting company.

Contacts

Fiona Brewer/​Alex Kenchington MCC International 

T: 01962 888 100 

F: 01962 888 125 

E: nanopr@​mccint.​com

Notes

About The NanoKTN

The NanoKTN facilitates the transfer of knowledge and experience between industry and research, offering companies dealing in small-scale technology access to information on new processes, patents and funding as well as keeping up-to-date with industry regulation. The four broad areas that the NanoKTN focuses on are: Promoting and facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting the growth of UK capabilities, raising awareness of Nanotechnology, and providing thought leadership and input to UK policy and strategy.

About Knowledge Transfer Networks (KTNs)

KTNs (https://​ktn​.inno​va​teuk​.org/​w​e​b​/​g​u​e​s​t​/​n​e​t​works) have been set up by government, industry and academia to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience between industry and the science base. They bring together diverse organisations and provide activities and initiatives that promote the exchange of knowledge and the stimulation of innovation in these communities. The first KTNs were set up in 2005 and the network continues to grow. They are active in sectors, technologies and market-based areas and they interact strongly with the government’s Technology Programme and overall technology strategy.

About CPI

The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was established by One NorthEast as a UK wide resource to stimulate and drive innovation within the Process Industry. Working with global industry partners and leading research universities CPI is committed to delivering world-class, groundbreaking applied research and development.

About The Technology Strategy Board

The Technology Strategy Board (www​.inno​va​teuk​.org) is a business-led executive non-departmental public body, established by the government. Its role is to promote and support research into, and development and exploitation of, technology and innovation for the benefit of UK business, in order to increase economic growth and improve the quality of life.

CPI is your innovation partner to make your ideas a reality.