WIREDGOV

Researchers at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have welcomed the new £14million investment into the UK’s Catalysis Hub that will support a nationwide research programme.

Funding is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, which is also part of UK Research and Innovation along with STFC.

The Hub, which is based on the Harwell campus in Oxfordshire, makes extensive use of the expertise of the staff at STFC’s Central Laser Facility and the world-leading ISIS neutron and muon source. Three institutions – the University of Bath, Cardiff University, and the University of Manchester – will lead three of the Hub’s themes.

This funding will allow the continuation of a collaborative research program across the UK in this important research area, with 25 universities directly involved in projects and over 45 involved in a wider network across the catalysis community.

The Hub is focused on building the UK economy through designing new catalysts and processes for clean water, sustainable energy and low carbon, and resource-efficient manufacturing of fuels, plastics and chemicals.

Part of this new funding will ensure technique development through two science work packages, one of which, on data analysis, processing and curation, is being led by STFC’s Scientific Computing Department.

You can read more on the EPSRC website, or on the UK Catalysis Hub website.