The priority areas for the Ј50m programme include advanced composite materials

The priority areas for the Ј50m programme include advanced composite materials

A Ј50m (E75m) UK government programme to support technical innovation from British businesses and research bodies is targeting a number of plastics applications. Priority areas for research include advanced composite materials and structures, as well as environmentally friendly transport that embraces innovations to reduce vehicle weight.

Carbon-based electronics for flat panel displays, which includes plastic and polymer electronics and carbon nanotubes, are also a priority for the funding. Announcing the scheme yesterday science minister Lord Sainsbury said: “I am calling upon business to work with research bodies to put forward projects for funding that could make a real difference to our economy.”

The Department of Trade and Industry said money would be made available by open competition through two of its business support products, knowledge transfer networks and collaborative research and development. Grants of between 25% and 75% would be on offer for collaborative projects and 100% would be available for “proposals that help develop dynamic knowledge transfer networks in the specific key emerging technology areas”.