Graphene turns 20

20 years ago this October, Professors Sir Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov published the first graphene paper. First isolated as part of their regular Friday Night Experiments, their breakthrough material sparked a global 2D materials research revolution that is creating the materials to help tackle everything from brain disease to water poverty.

For the last 20 years, this progress has been driven by The University of Manchester. As the home of graphene, the University hosts the largest graphene research and innovation community in the world, comprising more than 350 experts spanning various disciplines, including physics, materials science, chemistry and neuroscience. This community includes academics, engineers and application experts, who bridge the gap between academia and the real-world needs of businesses, and innovation leaders, investment experts, IP advisors, plus operational and specialist technical staff.

To drive continued progress, the University is committed to supporting the next generation of changemakers. As part of ongoing activity highlights include:

  • The launch of our new Centre for Doctoral Training in 2D Materials of Tomorrow (2DMoT). The four-year PhD programme will provide the next generation of material scientists with the knowledge and skills for cutting edge, cross-disciplinary research in the science and applications of two-dimensional materials.
  • Development of two Eli-Harari award-backed spin outs. This year’s Eli & Britt Harari Graphene Enterprise Award winners Kun Huang of Solar Ethos, and Hafiza Hifza Nawaz of Fabstics, will be supported by £50,000 and £20,000 respectively, to help launch their businesses focused on addressing energy challenges.
  • Supporting the progress of a University spinout focused on creating high-yield, low-cost mineral recovery systems. As a result of its partnership with the University’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Watercycle Technologies has been chosen from 30 international companies to showcase its Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (DLEC™) technology to Chile’s state-owned mining company, ENAMI, helping to sustainably develop the country’s vast lithium reserves.

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