University-business collaboration project returns with new funding

A programme that brings together academics and businesses to work on collaborative research and development projects has returned for a new round of funding.

The Research and Development Solutions Fund will provide grants of up to £10,000 for approved projects, including fully-costed access to specialist equipment, facilities and technical support. It builds on the £200,000 allocated during the first two rounds in 2020 and 2021 as part of the University of Plymouth's support for the business community during the pandemic.

Among those supported were projects to create agricultural robots, the development of a high-performance composite marine propeller, examining the antimicrobial properties of essential oils and developing a proof-of-concept for a new form of personalised treatment for lung cancer.

Adrian Dawson, Director of Research & Innovation at the University, said:

"Since its inception in 2020, the Research and Development Solutions Fund has helped to stimulate some really exciting partnerships between business and academia. What has been really encouraging is that in addition to some of the specific projects that have been funded and delivered, the application process itself has acted as a catalyst, bringing to light other projects that we have been able to support through other means."

For this iteration of the R&D Solutions Fund, the organisers are looking for projects - either proposed or pre-existing - that have an international flavour to them. This could encapsulate regional organisations looking to extend their links internationally or Plymouth academics working with overseas businesses.

All sectors are eligible to apply, with calls open until 25 April 2022. Among the facilities that businesses could access include the COAST Lab in the Marine Building, the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre, and the Digital Fabrication and Immersive Media Labs.