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UK government offers threadbare £10m for new high tech R&D programme
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9/2/02
4:06 PM
Page 1
ISSN 1471-3918 September 2002
UK government offers threadbare £10m for new high tech R&D programme Bids have been invited for a £20m, new technologies research programme in the UK, with half funded by government and half from industry. Over three years the programme will cover a broad range of critical technologies, which could include: nanotechnology, smart technologies, and photonics as well as sensors, imaging and displays, data storage, new materials, microsystems modelling and simulation, power electronics, wireless technology, advanced control and superconductivity. The outline proposals will be accepted up until 7 November 2002. The government-backed LINK programme will fund partnerships between industry, universities and other research organisations into new basic technologies that can be commercially exploited. It will cover a broad range of new technologies bringing new industrial techniques, and improved productivity.
Nanotechnology has the potential to deliver real improvements in healthcare including sensitive medical instruments and faster, more accurate diagnostic techniques. New imaging technology will enhance the imaging possible during operations and improve particle detection in the food industry. Speaking at the launch of the North East Science and Industry Council, Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said: ‘The UK has a world-class reputation for conducting research in a broad range of leading-edge technologies, but we need to widen uptake by industry. ‘This new programme will help to ensure that UK industry is aware of these emerging technologies and will take the necessary steps towards commercial exploitation,’ he said. The programme complements the Research Council’s Basic Technologies Research Programme. New and existing technologies will
be brought together to form the basis of products and processes of the future. As well as supporting applied research, additional funding of up to £500,000 yearly will be available to support complementary technology transfer projects and increased awareness and uptake of leading edge basic technologies. Projects could include networking activities such as seminars, workshops and the Internet. In countries like Israel [SMB July, Page 2] the government has opted to put about £20m into its three year nanotech Magnet project, providing 60%, with industry only left to find 40%. As the UK Strategy for Nanotechnology report to Lord Sainsbury pointed out [SMB August Page 16], without national nanotechnology fabrication centres this ‘critical technologies’ research in the UK may be somewhat stymied.
Keeping track of US$1bn+ nanotechnology facilities Over the past few months, trying to keep track of newly announced US nano facilities has been an energetic excercise. Los Alamos and Sandia national labs will jointly receive $75.8m for the design and construction of building to house the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT). The Office of Science of the US Department of Energy approved funding in July for a joint core facility in Albuquerque and a smaller gateway building in Los Alamos. Through these facilities, researchers from industry and universities will have access not only to the equipment of CINT, but also to the resources of the two labs. Sandia will use part of an existing building for its gateway. CINT is one of five new Nanoscale Science Research Centers being created by the Office of Science. Investment in these centers is the largest current national investment into the US scientific infrastructure, with $500m authorised
for 2001 and $620m in 2002. Groundbreaking for Los Alamos is scheduled for April 2004 and for Albuquerque in June 2004. North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh will break ground for a new building devoted entirely to R&D in nanotechnology. The 80,000ft2 Partners III building will cost $24m and should open in July 2004. University nanotech company spinouts include ZettaCore, with molecular memory patents, and Applied Nanotechnology Inc, using carbon nanotubes to replace traditional metal filaments in the cathode tubes of conventional X-ray machines. A $360,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will allow UC Irvine to establish an advanced lithography research facility in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering to aid emerging nanotechnology work by engineering, physics and chemistry faculties. [Continued on Page 2]
Contents News In Brief
1 3, 5,7
Features: 3i proposes 3Ds Space moves textiles smart Why is smart still emerging?
8 9 11
Research Trends
13
Patents
14
Events Calendar
15
Editorial
16
ISSN 1471-3918/02/$22.00 © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Science Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
9/2/02
4:06 PM
Page 1
ISSN 1471-3918 September 2002
UK government offers threadbare £10m for new high tech R&D programme Bids have been invited for a £20m, new technologies research programme in the UK, with half funded by government and half from industry. Over three years the programme will cover a broad range of critical technologies, which could include: nanotechnology, smart technologies, and photonics as well as sensors, imaging and displays, data storage, new materials, microsystems modelling and simulation, power electronics, wireless technology, advanced control and superconductivity. The outline proposals will be accepted up until 7 November 2002. The government-backed LINK programme will fund partnerships between industry, universities and other research organisations into new basic technologies that can be commercially exploited. It will cover a broad range of new technologies bringing new industrial techniques, and improved productivity.
Nanotechnology has the potential to deliver real improvements in healthcare including sensitive medical instruments and faster, more accurate diagnostic techniques. New imaging technology will enhance the imaging possible during operations and improve particle detection in the food industry. Speaking at the launch of the North East Science and Industry Council, Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said: ‘The UK has a world-class reputation for conducting research in a broad range of leading-edge technologies, but we need to widen uptake by industry. ‘This new programme will help to ensure that UK industry is aware of these emerging technologies and will take the necessary steps towards commercial exploitation,’ he said. The programme complements the Research Council’s Basic Technologies Research Programme. New and existing technologies will
be brought together to form the basis of products and processes of the future. As well as supporting applied research, additional funding of up to £500,000 yearly will be available to support complementary technology transfer projects and increased awareness and uptake of leading edge basic technologies. Projects could include networking activities such as seminars, workshops and the Internet. In countries like Israel [SMB July, Page 2] the government has opted to put about £20m into its three year nanotech Magnet project, providing 60%, with industry only left to find 40%. As the UK Strategy for Nanotechnology report to Lord Sainsbury pointed out [SMB August Page 16], without national nanotechnology fabrication centres this ‘critical technologies’ research in the UK may be somewhat stymied.
Keeping track of US$1bn+ nanotechnology facilities Over the past few months, trying to keep track of newly announced US nano facilities has been an energetic excercise. Los Alamos and Sandia national labs will jointly receive $75.8m for the design and construction of building to house the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT). The Office of Science of the US Department of Energy approved funding in July for a joint core facility in Albuquerque and a smaller gateway building in Los Alamos. Through these facilities, researchers from industry and universities will have access not only to the equipment of CINT, but also to the resources of the two labs. Sandia will use part of an existing building for its gateway. CINT is one of five new Nanoscale Science Research Centers being created by the Office of Science. Investment in these centers is the largest current national investment into the US scientific infrastructure, with $500m authorised
for 2001 and $620m in 2002. Groundbreaking for Los Alamos is scheduled for April 2004 and for Albuquerque in June 2004. North Carolina State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh will break ground for a new building devoted entirely to R&D in nanotechnology. The 80,000ft2 Partners III building will cost $24m and should open in July 2004. University nanotech company spinouts include ZettaCore, with molecular memory patents, and Applied Nanotechnology Inc, using carbon nanotubes to replace traditional metal filaments in the cathode tubes of conventional X-ray machines. A $360,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will allow UC Irvine to establish an advanced lithography research facility in The Henry Samueli School of Engineering to aid emerging nanotechnology work by engineering, physics and chemistry faculties. [Continued on Page 2]
Contents News In Brief
1 3, 5,7
Features: 3i proposes 3Ds Space moves textiles smart Why is smart still emerging?
8 9 11
Research Trends
13
Patents
14
Events Calendar
15
Editorial
16
ISSN 1471-3918/02/$22.00 © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Science Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.