The University of Bolton has been exhibiting its latest smart materials research at a House of Commons event run by the university think tank million+ to launch its latest publication, Research That Matters.
The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister of State for Universities and Science opened the event with other speakers including Mr David Sweeney, HEFCE Director for Research, Innovation and Skills, and Mr Liam Burns, President Elect, NUS.
Among those to visit the University's presentation were Lord Haskel, (pictured centre) and Bolton MPs Julie Hilling (left) and Yasmin Hussain (right). With them is PhD student Derman Vatansever and Director of Research, Professor Elias Siores.
Research That Matters looks at how modern universities contribute to national research, innovation and economic growth. The think tank says modern universities have a distinctive and valuable approach to research, working closely with business, public and third sector organisations. It is urging Government to support new universities' research, maintaining public investment.
Derman and Professor Siores, who are based in the University's Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI), were showcasing a new green-energy material.
The IMRI scientists have created a unique product – a flexible piezoelectric fibre that can be woven to create natural energy-harnessing fabrics. Energy is created as the material is moved. The researchers have added to it, patenting a method for creating a photovoltaic- piezoelectric fibre which would also harness the power of the sun, meaning the material could be a solar energy source as well.
IMRI at the University of Bolton is a leading UK research centre for smart materials development, judged to be world-leading in its research excellence during the most recent Government Research Assessment Exercise.
Said Derman: 'Being able to show our work and talk about it to such an influential audience was both exciting and important. Universities that work with businesses and organisations to develop technologies and ideas are having a direct impact on our world. We were very pleased with the reception our research work received.'
IMRI is now working with companies in the UK, EU and USA to develop applications for the technology.
Added Professor Siores: 'As experts in smart materials research and development, we believe that we can build on our work, developing flexible smart structures that can generate energy from movement but are also durable and flexible.
'We are looking forward to seeing different applications develop for our new technology. Our own research development has greatly benefited from the funding we received from KCMC.'
The University is part of the Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry (KCMC) and has benefited from £1 million KCMC funding for equipment used to produce samples of the hybrid material.