EU Regional Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn recently visited the National Graphene Institute at The University of Manchester. The Commissioner, who approved a $38 million investment via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) towards the $102 million Institute, was given a guided tour of the construction site by Nobel Laureate Sir Kostya Novoselov.

Set to open in early 2015, the 26,000 ft² building will see academics and commercial partners working side by side to create the graphene applications of the future.

The remaining $63 million was provided by the U.K. Government through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Commissioner Hahn was given an overview of graphene research at the University by Professor Novoselov, as well as information about commercialization and a progress report on the building. He was also presented with a limited edition picture of graphene signed by Sir Kostya.

He then was given a guided tour of the site by Sir Kostya, including where the main cleanroom will be located on the lower ground floor to achieve best vibration performance. Designed by Jestico+Whiles, the building will also include a second cleanroom; plus laser, optical, metrology, and chemical laboratories; a seminar room and offices; as well as ancillary accommodation.

BAM Construction started work on the NGI in July last year and it is now week 27 of a 66 week project.  The main concrete frame of the five story building is complete and it is now working on the external envelope and cladding works to the glass-fronted building, the internal blockwork, partition walls, and installation of mechanical and electrical services.  The fit out of the cleanrooms will begin in mid-April and equipment is due to be moved into the building from the end of this year with completion in 2015.

“The Graphene Institute is an excellent example of how EU regional funding in the U.K. is supporting innovation and taking excellent ideas into the marketplace,” says Commissioner Hahn. “We have turned EU regional policy into an investment tool that directly contributes to the creation of growth and jobs.”

Release Date: March 13, 2014
Source: National Graphene Institute