The University of Sheffield
AMRC 2050
AMRC 2050 is set to benefit from a Government cash boost.
The British Government has impressed the additive manufacturing industry in recent days with its commitment to advancing cutting-edge technology and developing manufacturing in the UK.
Last week, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition announced that not only is it renewing its support for small businesses and entrepreneurs, but it has earmarked £14.7 million especially for developing 3D printing.
Now, the Government has announced that leading edge research facilities will be given a £290 million boost.
New university and business partnerships are receiving more than £290 million of combined public and private investment in order to drive innovation and growth, according to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
The projects will focus on physical sciences, medical research, advanced manufacturing, advances materials and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
This is the latest round of projects from the £300 million UK Research Partnership Investment Fund, bringing the total number of winners to 20. Successful universities have secured at least twice as much as the amount of cash from businesses and charities, bringing the total sum of the research funding to over £1 million.
George Osborne stated: "The spending review is about making choices, and for me science is a personal priority. By bringing together our Nobel Prize winning scientists, our world-class companies and our entrepreneurial start-ups, we can drive innovation and create the economic dynamism Britain needs to win in the global race."
One of the five new projects to receive £72 million in public support and £219 million in additional private funding is the partnership between the University of Manchester, BP, Rolls-Royce, Sellafield, AMEC, FEI Company, National Nuclear Laboratory, Xradia, Rapsican Systems, AREVA, EDF, Westinghouse and TISICS which will get a £117 million cash boost. This cash boost will accelerate research into advanced materials that will work in harsh conditions.
Moreover, some £43 million will go to an initiative between Sheffield University's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and other manufacturing companies to develop the AMRC Factory 2050. This is billed to become the world's most flexible factory, capable of being able to switch production quickly between different high-value components and one-off parts. It will support innovation in advanced manufacturing techniques and meet the future needs of the market by integrating research and industry collaboration.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts commented: "These excellent projects will not only deliver new knowledge and applications for industry, but will accelerate growth and foster innovation between the research base and business, keeping the UK ahead in the global race."
