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The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is investing £12.9 million in the UK Catalysis Hub, a UK-wide research programme into catalytic science.
The UK Catalysis Hub, based at the Research Complex at Harwell (RCaH) in Oxfordshire, will focus on supporting UK economic growth while helping reduce CO2 emissions, produce cleaner water and generate more sustainable energy.
The Hub will coordinate multi-disciplinary scientists and chemical engineers from over 30 different universities. Scientists will collaborate on projects, share insights, expertise and developments, facilitate world-class research and attract new funding streams. Researchers will work at different universities, and the RCaH will offer training and research.
Universities and science minister, David Willetts, said: “Catalysis science is vital for many areas of the UK economy, from food production to pharmaceuticals. This investment will provide a focal point for the UK’s leading expertise in this area, helping scientists further develop their skills and undertake cutting edge research to drive sustainable growth.”
Co-project leader, Professor Graham Hutchings, from Cardiff University, said: “Catalysis is a key area of science which can tackle the big problems. We will use catalysts in non-traditional ways and in new innovative areas.”
Catalysts speed up chemical reactions making them possible on useful timescales. It is critical to the country’s chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, food, personal care and materials sectors. Development of catalysis is also key to emerging sectors such as industrial biotechnology.
The UK has world-class strength and capability in catalysis and process engineering, with EPSRC having funded £28.5 million of catalysis research from 2006-2011.