Sneak peek at the GEIC
The (GEIC) at The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp has celebrated a key milestone in its construction.
The first phase of the building has now been handed over to the University ahead of the installation and fit-out of equipment. Additional works are already underway to fit out the laboratories ahead of the centre opening later this year.
This is the first look at the newly completed £60m Centre, which will be housed in The Building, which will accelerate the commercial pace of in ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp.
The GEIC will focus on industry-led application development in partnership with academics. It will fill a critical gap in the graphene and 2D materials ecosystem by providing facilities that focus on pilot production, characterisation, together with application development in composites, energy, solution formulations and coatings, electronics and membranes.
Along with the and the £105m building (set to be completed in 2019) the GEIC will be crucial in maintaining the UK’s world leading position in advanced materials.
The GEIC will also act as the cornerstone of the University’s vision to create a in the heart of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp, made up of; scientists, manufacturers, engineers, innovators, investors and industrialists to build a thriving knowledge-based economy.
James Baker, CEO Graphene@¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp, said: “The GEIC is a key component of the University’s strategy for Graphene@¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp. The centre’s aim is to accelerate the commercialisation to real-world applications to transition graphene and other 2D materials from the lab to the marketplace.”
The GEIC is a key component of the University’s strategy for Graphene@¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp. The centre’s aim is to accelerate the commercialisation to real-world applications to transition graphene and other 2D materials from the lab to the marketplace
“As both the renewable energy company of Abu Dhabi and the principal funder of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, we’re thrilled to witness the handover of the first phase of this unique collaborative project, strengthening as it does the close business, academic and cultural ties between Abu Dhabi and the city of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.
“The GEIC will position the United Arab Emirates at the heart of a critical knowledge industry and complement Masdar’s strategy to participate in the application of advanced clean technologies as soon as they show commercial potential,” Al Ramahi added. “Moreover, the GEIC will enhance ongoing collaboration in graphene research between the ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp and the Masdar Institute, part of the Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi.”
Liam Cummins, Head of UK Building for said: “We’re delighted to hand over this fantastic facility on time and on budget for The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp and its funding partners.
“It’s also exciting to have completed our first project as part of The University of and we’re keen to take the momentum into our next project on the framework; the The Sir Henry Royce Institute.”
Diana Hampson, Director of at The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp, said: “This building plays an important role in The University’s Campus Masterplan, creating a world-class facility of benefit to our researchers. The GEIC will help consolidate The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp’s status as a world-leader in graphene and related 2D materials research.”
Mel Manku, Partner and UK Regional Sector Leader, Education said: “The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre will allow ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp and the UK to take a truly world-leading position in graphene and other 2D materials..
“The city of ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp and wider Northern Powerhouse region are at the forefront of generating prosperity outside of London, and critical facilities like this will lead the world in terms of research and innovation. Arcadis are extremely proud to have worked with the university on this significant project.”
The new flagship facility has been funded by -an Abu Dhabi based renewable energy and clean technology company, , , the and .
is one of The ¼â½ÐÊÓƵapp’s - examples of pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sector partnerships that are tackling some of the biggest questions facing the planet. #ResearchBeacons