University of Bristol
Who they are
South West England is a key player of the
DTI's initiative to have the UK's leading researchers in
nanotechnology pool their resources, creating an interdisciplinary
research centre for nanotechnology and quantum information.
The University of Bristol is one of the most
well recognised and highly respected academic institutions driving
forward the boundaries of research in this exciting, emerging
science.
Departments in the University are now
collaborating to extend the potential of nanotechnology through new
applications of research findings, leading to exciting new spin-out
projects.
What they do
The Interdisciplinary Research Centre (IRC) in
Nanotechnology Structures and Devices draws together experts from
the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge and
University College London.
The University of Bristol has committed
funding of over 13 million Euro (£8.6 million) to construct a
highly distinctive, state-of-the-art research centre in which
physicists, biologists, chemists, engineers, mathematicians and
medics can interact creatively.
The University of Bristol's Chemistry
Department has been studying the underlying science behind
nanotechnologies for many years. A recent programme, ACORN (A
Collaboration of Research into Nanoparticles) has attracted 8
million Euro (£5.3million) of funding, with collaboration from 17
companies and 5 other universities.
The Bristol Colloid Centre is a well equipped,
industry-facing open-access facility, employing a large group of
expert scientists, providing solutions for formulation and
processing problems for companies worldwide. It operates by
technology and knowledge transfer of colloid science into
commercially viable technology leading to new and innovative
products.
Work has been undertaken in all industrial
manufacturing sectors and many programmes have involved
collaborations with other departments. Interdisciplinary research
programmes are run taking ideas from concept to product for
commercial partners.