5th August 2019

Cardiff University secures £1 million EU funding for industrial research centre

Counsel General and Brexit minister Jeremy Miles will today announce EU funding of more than £1 millon to advance research into magnetic and electromagnetic materials in Wales.

This investment will support Cardiff University’s Magnetic Materials and Applications (MAGMA) project, enabling the university to expand its research and development programmes in areas including electric vehicles, advanced materials and energy innovation.

Magnetic alloys are a vital component within electronic motors, generators and sensors. Cardiff University will build and expand research and development programmes with Welsh and global industry, upgrading laboratories and developing up-to-the-minute studies into the use of magnetic materials for future low-carbon energy and transport systems.

Global recognition is expected to yield a further £3.6 million of research income over the next 4 years. This will lead to the development of a European centre of excellence in Cardiff, focusing on development of magnetic materials for use in industry.

Jeremy Miles, who overseas EU funding in Wales, said:

I’m delighted to announce this funding, which will strengthen Cardiff University’s research and development into new, environmentally friendly energy, power and transport systems.

EU funds have driven progress in R&D, science, infrastructure and skills in Wales, and this is another example of EU funding enabling Wales to lead the transition towards a greener, low-carbon economy.

The £2.1 million MAGMA project will also be financed by £1 million from Cardiff University and the private sector.

Professor Rudolf Allemann, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Physical Sciences and Engineering, said:

MAGMA’s research programme plays a crucial role in driving next generation technologies for a greener, cleaner planet.

The necessary shift from fossil fuels towards a more sustainable electrically-dominated society with substantial reductions in emissions can’t happen without continued development of key materials.

In the last decade, EU-funded projects in Wales have created more than 48,000 jobs and 13,000 new businesses, while helping 86,000 people back into work.