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Britain wants to build a global graphene research center
The UK is making significant strides in the commercialization of graphene, often referred to as the "magic material" due to its extraordinary properties. This initiative will soon be housed at the National Graphene Research Institute (NGI), a state-of-the-art facility that aims to position the UK as a global leader in graphene research and development. The NGI, set to open at the University of Manchester in 2015, represents a major investment of £61 million, with additional support from five other universities and key industry partners.
Graphene was first isolated in 2004 by two professors from the University of Manchester, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, whose groundbreaking work earned them the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics. Although scientists had theorized about graphene as early as 1947, it wasn’t until their experiment that its stability and unique properties were confirmed. Their discovery opened up new possibilities in the study of two-dimensional materials and sparked global interest.
Now, the University of Manchester predicts that graphene will “completely change the 21st century.†Its remarkable characteristics—extremely thin yet incredibly strong, highly conductive electrically and thermally, and nearly transparent—make it a game-changer for industries ranging from electronics to medicine. The UK is investing £50 million to accelerate the transition of graphene from lab to market, aiming to secure a leading role in this next-generation material.
The NGI will feature cutting-edge facilities, including two clean rooms, one of which will occupy an entire underground floor, ensuring optimal conditions for experimentation. A 1,500-square-meter laboratory will also be available for collaboration between university researchers and industry experts.
Professor Colin Bailey, Vice President of the University of Manchester, emphasized that the NGI will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together academic and industrial expertise to drive forward graphene research. He described it as one of the most exciting research centers in the UK, with the potential to create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy.
Beyond the NGI, research on graphene is expanding across the UK. Universities such as Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, and London are exploring applications in flexible electronics, aerospace, and medical diagnostics. For instance, scientists at the University of Manchester have collaborated with researchers in Marseille to develop a device that enables rapid molecular analysis using plasmonic optics—an advancement expected to revolutionize drug testing.
Imperial College London is also investigating how graphene could enhance aircraft performance, offering greater durability and protection against lightning strikes. These efforts highlight the growing recognition of graphene’s transformative potential and the UK’s commitment to leading the way in its development.