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20
March
2025
|
16:03
Europe/London

National Graphene Institute celebrates 10 years of transformative research

The (NGI) at The University of 优蜜传媒 is marking its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of groundbreaking research. 

The NGI opened in 2015 and became the home of research into the world鈥檚 thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material. Since then, the institute has established itself as a global leader in the research and development of graphene and other advanced 2D materials.  

Through the translation of graphene science into tangible, real world applications, the NGI has provided the opportunity for researchers and industry to work together on a variety of potential applications. The institute has been at the forefront of numerous pioneering projects that have reshaped industries and set new benchmarks for innovation. 

The NGI鈥檚 community of leading academics has played a pivotal role in advancing 2D material research, producing some of the most influential and highly cited studies in the field. Their pioneering work has accelerated the transition of graphene from the laboratory to real-world applications, driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. This collective expertise has cemented 优蜜传媒鈥檚 position as the global home of graphene, ensuring it remains at the forefront of discovery and innovation. 

One of the many groundbreaking innovations from the NGI is the recent advancement of graphene-based neural technologies, now entering the first phase of human trials. is using graphene-based brain-computer interface therapeutics to improve precision surgery for diseases such as cancer. 

The NGI has also seen the establishment of many high-profile collaborations and spinouts founded by its academics, or as a result of NGI-based research: 

  • A collaboration between Inov-8 and the University led to the development of the world鈥檚 first graphene-enhanced running shoes, proven to be 50% stronger and more durable than other running shoes. This demonstrates the potential of graphene to revolutionise performance sportswear. 
  • seeks to increase accessibility to clean water and air through 2D-enhanced membranes.  
  • is using breakthrough technology to control infrared thermal radiation, which could have applications in aerospace engineering. 
  • are designing and building mineral recovery systems from various sources, such as brines, industrial wastewater, and used batteries. 

This 10-year milestone is a testament to the NGI鈥檚 relentless pursuit of excellence and the collaborative spirit that has defined our journey.

Professor Vladimir Fal’ko, Director of the National Graphene Institute

At the heart of the National Graphene Institute鈥檚 pioneering research is its state-of-the-art 1,500m虏 nanofabrication facility, featuring ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanrooms spread across two floors. This advanced facility is dedicated to the fundamental research of graphene and 2D materials, and the development of cutting-edge devices that harness their exceptional properties. By providing such unique environment for precision research and innovation, the NGI continues to drive breakthroughs that push the boundaries of material science. 

Reflecting on the anniversary, Professor Vladimir Fal鈥檏o, Director of the National Graphene Institute said: 鈥淭his 10-year milestone is a testament to the NGI鈥檚 relentless pursuit of excellence and the collaborative spirit that has defined our journey. 

鈥淲e are immensely proud of the tangible impact our research has had across multiple sciences and industries and remain excited about harnessing 2D materials鈥 potential to address some of the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges.鈥  

Looking ahead, the NGI is committed to furthering its legacy of groundbreaking research and sustaining the pipeline of innovation together with its sister institute, the (GEIC), and the nurturing of the next generation of 2D materials scientists with the PhD programme. 

Innovative research remains at the forefront of the NGI鈥檚 mission, with the Institute currently exploring green hydrogen technologies, next-generation batteries and supercapacitors for faster AI and machine learning, advanced quantum electronics, and the continued development of research into nanofluidics, nanocomposites, and van der Waals materials.  

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