NanoKTN Helps Member Secure £3.2m of EPSRC Funding

NEXUS, which started operation in May 2011, is one of a series of mid-range facilities funded by EPSRC for access by UK-based academics, comprising of a high-tech suite of XPS and associated facilities for open-access use. NEXUS provides the widest range of associated equipment and facilities in support of XPS, one of the principal methods of probing the composition and electronic structure of surfaces. XPS has an increasing number of research applications, already being seen in the UK, including electronics, novel materials and biomaterials, surface chemistry and functionalisation and tribology.

Throughout the planning and application process, Project Leader, Professor Peter Cumpson, worked closely with the NanoKTN Theme Manager Dr James Johnstone, who provided advice and guidance integral to securing funding from the EPSRC. By actively engaging with the NanoKTN, Professor Cumpson had access to invaluable information about the UK market, its requirements, and the demands of different sectors, enabling him to put together the successful funding proposal.

“Dr Johnstone’s wealth of knowledge was invaluable to us whilst putting together the funding application for the NEXUS facility. He not only provided key information about the current market but also put me in contact with potential academic users and partners, information I would just not have access to without his support,” explains Professor Cumpson.

Prof Cumpson continues, “Being a member of the NanoKTN was a huge benefit to us when entering a new market and looking for potential users for the NEXUS facility. Attending events has enabled us to connect with companies and individuals with similar interests, as well as providing us with up-to-date relevant information on the market.”

The NanoKTN’s primary aim is to encourage and support UK organisations to collaborate and share knowledge with key partners in attractive end user markets to achieve growth of the UK micro and nanotechnology sector.

“The EPSRC NEXUS facility is an important new addition to the UK’s nanometrology capability. It helps provide easy access to advanced quantified surface analysis equipment and expertise that is both established for routine analysis and bespoke investigations,” says Dr James Johnstone, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN.

Dr Johnstone continues, “The NanoKTN is proud to support this by linking and connecting UK SMEs who may require its capability to find answers to very difficult problems for a wide range of industries such as electronics, catalysis, healthcare and materials. Few techniques can provide such robust answers.”