The University will lead two of ten new research projects announced recently by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Southampton will receive £3.1m to revolutionise the manufacture and use of specialised glass, called chalcogenides, in a range of products from optical fibre and infrared lenses to electronic devices.
The other project ‘Novel manufacturing methods for functional electronic textiles’ will receive £2.8m to develop novel manufacturing methods for wearable technology.
It will be led by Professor Steve Beeby from Electronics and Computer Science and also involves Nottingham Trent University and a number of industry partners.
Professor Beeby says: “This project presents a fantastic opportunity to further the developments we have made towards the practical integration of electronics and sensing functionality in textiles.”
Welcoming the announcement Business Secretary, Vince Cable, said:
“Working with academia and industry to support game-changing manufacturing projects like these is at the heart of the Government’s industrial strategy. By supporting the jump from the manufacturing lab to the market place, we are driving innovation, creating valuable new jobs and delivering economic growth that will secure the UK’s global leadership for decades to come.”
For more information, please go to the University website.