NEWCASTLE University has scooped £6.2million to become a UK leader in what experts predict will be the 'great technologies' of the future.

Building on the University's reputation as a leader in the fields of advanced materials and electrical power systems, the funding for Newcastle is split between two key projects.

More than £4m will be used to build on the university's National X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy laboratory, including the purchase of state-of-the-art Helium Ion Microscope.

A further £2m will be used to create an energy storage test bed on Science Central in the heart of Newcastle. This includes 1 million from EPSRC, £400,000 from Siemens,  £200,000 from Northern Powergrid and £400,000 from the University.

Announcing the funding as part of an £85m investment, David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said the aim was to drive UK growth in key areas of research such as advanced materials and grid-scale energy storage.

"For Britain to get ahead in the global race we have to back emerging technologies and ensure our universities have the latest equipment," said Mr Willetts.

"This capital investment will help scientists make new discoveries and take their research through to commercial success. It will drive growth and support the Government's industrial strategy."

Leading the Science Central research project, Newcastle University's Professor Phil Taylor, Director of the Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability (NIReS), said: "This is absolutely fantastic news. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the investment will underpin key sectors for the UK economy, including automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and healthcare.

Professor David Delpy, EPSRC Chief Executive said: "The successful bids will build capability in areas that are vital for the country and where exciting research is already being carried out."

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