The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has set up a £42.5M research partnership to develop ground-breaking new materials.
The Defence Materials Centre of Excellence (DMEx) will bring together world-leading UK experts in a national effort to accelerate advances in defence material technology for extreme physical environments.
The DMEx will research, create, and prototype new materials for the armed forces that can survive in the harshest conditions such as:
- temperatures of 1,000 °C
- polar to tropical operations
- high impact vibrations
- shock
- blasts
- extreme water depth
Advanced materials are vital to keeping the UK safe – ranging from body armour, to the protection of sensitive electronics in satellites from radiation damage and corrosion-resistant submarine components.
The Henry Royce Institute for advanced materials, which operates its hub at the University of Manchester, will lead the centre of excellence with 23 other partners from academia, industry, and research organisations such as the Catapult Network.
Defence Minister James Cartlidge said: “These exciting new materials not only fortify the safety of our personnel and assets, but also symbolise our creativity and innovation in the face of defence challenges.
“The research and creation of these materials will secure highly skilled jobs and expertise across the country and cements the UK’s place as a global leader in advanced materials.”
Dstl Chief Executive Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA said: “Advanced materials are the building blocks of the future and an area of great international competition.
“Today we are putting the UK on path to maintain its strategic advantage by harnessing all the nation’s talents.
“This highly-collaborative partnership between Dstl, academia and industry will create operational advantage for our armed forces, while supporting UK growth and prosperity.”
Defence research not only contributes directly to the prosperity of the UK but it also has a strong track record in developing innovations that have dual-use for the benefit of civilian applications. Funding in the Centre will also help the UK grow the vital skills needed in this important technology area.
A study commissioned by the UK Government showed advanced materials related activity contributes an estimated £14.4 billion in gross value added to the UK economy, equivalent to around £72,000 per employee.
The Centre is set to open later this year.
Centre Associate Director Laura Jones said: “This is a major milestone for Dstl and wider defence to explore and accelerate advanced materials innovation in the UK to help us stay ahead of future threats and challenges.”
Dstl and Centre of Excellence Principal Scientist Matthew Lunt said: “Advanced materials are critical in so many areas and we are delighted to bring so much talent together to ensure we can create, sustain and develop these highly-specialised and skilled jobs for years to come.”
Image: The Henry Royce Institute in Manchester. Credit: Henry Royce Institute
DMEx Dstl Henry Royce Institute materials University of Manchester
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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