Developing game-changing materials to enable transformative technological advancements

Our researchers partner with industry to unlock potential. Whether this is discovering game-changing materials like graphene, real-world applications with commercial impact, accelerating technology readiness, or boosting productivity and reducing carbon footprint in the foundation industries, we’re embracing opportunities, mitigating challenges and ensuring the UK’s reputation as a technology superpower. 

We’re creating transformative interdisciplinary solutions to tackle some of the biggest global challenges. These include clean energy and net zero; climate action and clean water; good health and wellbeing; industry; innovation and infrastructure; and sustainable materials and responsible production. 

With our partners we’re developing new materials, while making existing ones lighter, stronger, more sustainable and cheaper to produce, all to underpin sustainable and circular solutions to global challenges. 

Our research covers

Key research hubs and centres

Tomorrow Labs

Discover the cutting edge facilities where you can access the expertise and equipment you need to address your material innovation needs.

Find out more about Tomorrow Labs

Kostas Kostarelos

News

See all news
Show previous news story Show next news story

University of Manchester researchers unveil breakthrough in quantum nanotechnology

Researchers at the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester have achieved a significant milestone in the field of quantum electronics with their latest study on spin injection to graphene. The paper, published recently in Communications Materials, outlines ground-breaking advancements in spintronics and quantum transport.

Scientists develop new method to measure and predict hydrogen bond strength in confined water

A breakthrough by researchers at The University of Manchester sheds light on one of nature’s most elusive forces, with wide-reaching implications for medicine, energy, climate modelling and more.Researchers at The University of Manchester have developed a ground-breaking method to precisely measure the strength of hydrogen bonds in confined water systems, an advance that could transform our understanding of water’s role in biology, materials science, and technology. The work, published in Nature Communications, introduces a fundamentally new way to think about one of nature’s most important but difficult-to-quantify interactions.

Researcher to Innovator (R2I) Programme - Apply by 8th April to secure a place

Apply Now to join the R2I programmeR2I is a bespoke entrepreneurship training programme for late stage PhD students, PDRAs and early-career researchers from across all faculties with ambitions to develop commercial ventures or to create impact from their research. The programme includes a series of interactive personal and professional development sessions, which introduce the concept of commercialisation, equipping researchers with strategies to take ideas forward and discover new pathways to funding. Read more about the researchers recently supported to further their ideas. Key Dates:Application Deadline: 23:59, 8th April 2025 [APPLY TODAY]Boot Camp Day 1: Monday 28th April 2025Boot Camp Day 2: Thursday 8th May 2025Full Programme: Monday 28th April – Thursday 17th July 2025 Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the next cohort and join a network of likeminded researchers. Apply Now to secure your place on the programme! To find out more about the R2I Programme visit our website  The MEC Researcher to Innovator (R2I) programme is supported by the University’s Innovation Academy. The Innovation Academy is a pan University initiative and joint venture between the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre, the University of Manchester Innovation Factory and the Business Engagement and Knowledge Exchange team, bringing together knowledge, expertise and routes to facilitate the commercialisation of research.

Graphene-based programmable surfaces advance terahertz imaging and 6G communications

Researchers at The University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute have introduced a new class of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces capable of dynamically shaping terahertz (THz) and millimetre (mm) waves. Detailed in a paper published in Nature Communications, this breakthrough overcomes long-standing technological barriers and could pave the way for next-generation 6G wireless technologies and non-invasive imaging systems.

Scaling sustainable carbon fibre production: A breakthrough in lignin-based innovation

Carbon fibre is a critical material for industries such as aerospace and automotive, prized for its strength and lightweight properties. However, traditional carbon fibre production relies on costly, petroleum-based materials, driving up costs and environmental impact.Lignin – a widely available by-product of cellulose production, with around 70 million tonnes generated annually – offers a promising, sustainable alternative. Typically treated as waste or burned for energy, lignin has untapped potential for high-value applications, including next-generation carbon fibre manufacturing.From lab to pilot scaleIndustry partner Lixea has been collaborating with Imperial College London, where Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot and Professor Milo Shaffer developed a patented technology to convert lignin into carbon fibre at a small lab scale (1ml production). The process leveraged two key innovations: Ionic liquid technology – dissolving various lignins while allowing the liquid to be recycled after fibre formation. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) – a non-toxic, biodegradable polymer used as a spinning aid. This approach not only enables the production of high-lignin-content fibres (75-90%) with excellent structure and yield but also significantly reduces costs. By replacing petroleum-based precursors with lignin and ionic liquids – both renewable, lower-cost, and less toxic materials – production costs could be reduced. Manchester’s ability to scale upTo validate this technology at scale, Dr Joanne Ng from Imperial College joined forces with Drs Dominic Wales and Umar Muhammad, researchers at The University of Manchester and Royce Application Scientists, led by Jonny Blaker, Professor of Biomaterials. Together the team created a pilot-scale demonstration at the Fibre Technology Platform, at the Henry Royce Institute, using its wet spinning line. Lignin was sourced from Lixea’s pilot plant, which uses the same ionic liquid to extract lignin from wood waste, ensuring process alignment with the company’s existing technologies.The team tested three different lignins – two from spruce sawdust, and one from bagasse, a by-product of sugar production – with the bagasse-derived lignin proving most effective, enabling continuous fibre spinning at pilot scale for the first time.Key learning and future developmentSeveral critical insights emerged from the trials. Firstly, drying control was crucial to prevent fibre shrinkage. Secondly, lignin solutions became more viscous over time, requiring adjustments to maintain quality. And thirdly, spinneret design affected fibre uniformity, highlighting the need for further refinement and development of the facility.Through the project the team successfully produced continuous fibres. The next steps include refining fibre drying, collection, and carbonisation processes, which will be essential for scaling up this breakthrough technology in the UK.A milestone for sustainable carbon fibreManchester’s success in scaling up this novel technology marks a significant step toward commercially viable, sustainable carbon fibre production.The future of carbon fibre innovationWith continued advancements and industry collaboration, lignin-based carbon fibre could soon become a commercially scalable, high-performance, and environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-derived materials. Manchester’s pioneering role in technology scale-up reinforces its position as a leader in materials innovation and sustainable manufacturing, helping new ideas emerging in other UK leading universities, such as Imperial, make real-world impact.Meet the researcherJonny Blaker, Professor in Biomaterials, principle research areas are i) Bio-inspired hierarchical composite materials and ii) Advanced materials derived from synthetic biology, with an emphasis on medical applications. He currently leads projects on bioactive medical materials, mask-less digital photolithography for 3D printing/patterning surfaces, development of bio-inks for 3D printing/biofabrication, the exploitation surfaces and interfaces for materials production, processing of fibres, especially nanofibres via solution blow spinning including silks derived from synthetic biology, as well as shape-morphing composites.Email Professor Blaker >>Email the Business Engagement Team >>View academic profile >>

Eli and Britt Harari Graphene award 2025

Congratulations to CDT student Patrick Sarsfield, winner of the £20,000 second prize with co-founder of Graphene Thermal Daniel Mills. Patrick is currently doing his PhD in the Theory of Electronic Properties of Graphene.

Dentists warn Government on dangers of antibiotic over-prescribing

In an open letter  to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, dentists have warned that a failure to fully meet demand for urgent dental care can only increase the pressures on our health service, as antibiotics become a substitute for treatment.

Graphene Innovations Manchester extends GEIC partnership for another three years

We are delighted to announce that Graphene Innovations Manchester (GIM) has extended its Tier 1 Partnership with the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) for another three years.This renewed collaboration is a key pillar of GIM’s £250 million expansion strategy, reinforcing the UK as a leading hub for research, innovation, and advanced materials. As part of this ambitious plan, the initiative is expected to create over 1,000 skilled jobs in the UK—an impact highlighted recently by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.GIM, a spin-out from The University of Manchester and GEIC, was formed through our unique Bridging the Gap programme, designed to help start-ups and SMEs commercialise cutting-edge graphene technologies. Since then, GIM has been at the forefront of rapid graphene-based commercial product development, pioneering sustainable building materials and next-generation Artificial Intelligence (AI) based manufacturing delivering global impact.Notably, GIM has launched the world’s first commercial production of graphene-enriched carbon fibre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—a game-changing step in scaling up graphene-based technologies to reduce global CO₂ emissions and diversify the hydrocarbon economy. James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Manchester:"GIM's commitment to innovation and sustainability exemplifies the transformative potential of graphene. Their continued partnership with GEIC not only accelerates technological advancements but also brings substantial economic benefits to Greater Manchester. Great to have them on board, and we’re excited for what’s ahead." Dr Vivek Koncherry, CEO & Chairman of GIM:"Extending our partnership with the GEIC is pivotal for our mission to drive large-scale manufacturing of sustainable graphene-enhanced products both in the UK and globally as well as creating multiple Unicorn companies. This collaboration enables us to tap into world-class resources and expertise within the graphene ecosystem, pushing us much closer to our vision of a truly sustainable and profitable future, leading the Graphene Age." This extended partnership strengthens Manchester’s reputation as the Home of Graphene, ensuring continued innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact through world-leading research and industry partnerships.For more details on the UK government’s announcement, view here.  The GEIC operates a partnership model, offering a variety of engagement options tailored to the scope, scale, duration and complexity of development projects. Visit here for more information and to get in touch.

Events

All events

Connect with us

For business

  • Leverage our expertise, facilities and network to develop solutions to your challenges.
  • Gain access to some of the brightest minds working across our research pathways to help you make change happen.

Contact our business team

Search our research database

  • Use Research Explorer to access publications, activities and more.
  • Search researcher profiles and connect with fellow experts.

Search our research database

For policy work

  • Connect with our researchers to build relationships, explore areas of interest and enhance your understanding of pressing policy challenges.
  • Access high quality policy articles and publications from our academics.

Speak to our policy experts

General enquiries

Speak to our research beacons team who can help connect you with the expert you're looking for.

Contact us - research beacons team

Research at Manchester

Find out more about the breadth and depth of research at our University.

Discover more about research at Manchester