Researchers from the UT participated in the preparation process of the Graphene project to be granted funding in the amount of one billion euros
On 28 January, the European Commission announced the results of the largest top science award “FET Flagship Initiative“ throughout the years. Scientists from the University of Tartu also participated in the preparation process of the victorious Graphene project.
The Graphene project was among the winners of the competition in the field of future and emerging technologies with the prize money of one billion euros. The unique properties of graphene as a revolutionary carbon-based material are studied and utilized within the project.
Material researchers of the University of Tartu joined the graphene studies in 2008. Currently, researchers of the Institute of Physics of UT, led by the Senior Researcher of Material Science Harry Alles and Professor of Solid State Technology Jaan Aarik, participate in three larger graphene projects. The application of the pilot project submitted to “FET Flagship Initiative” contained also an overview of graphene studies in Estonia provided by the researchers of UT. This pilot project was chosen to be among the first six projects out of 23 projects nominated for “FET Flagship Initiative” award. The final application of the Graphene project submitted in the smaller circle (74 legal partners will initiate the project) earned, as one of the two projects, the largest top science award throughout the years. The people from Tartu are not among the partners initiating the project but due to the material technologies developed at the University of Tartu, they have good opportunities to join the project already during the next few years. Thus, yesterday’s decision to provide additional funding for graphene studies will give new opportunities for the researchers of UT for international cooperation.
The combination of graphene’s physical and chemical properties is unique: it is the thinnest material, it has better electrical conductivity than copper, it is 100-300 times stronger than steel and its optical properties are unique. Introduction of graphene in 2004 occurred due to the European researchers and presumably, it will be the “miracle material” of the 21st century, just like plastic was that of the 20th century. Among other things, it can be used for replacing silicon in ICT products.
The Human Brain Project received the largest top science award throughout the years as well. The European Commission will fund the Graphene project and the Human Brain Project as the leading initiatives of the future and emerging technologies during ten years by means of its research and innovation funding programmes.
Find more information about graphene studies at UT here.
Watch the video introducing graphene and interviews of the researchers participating in the project here.
Find more information about “FET Flagship Initiative” and other participating projects here.
Further information:
Harry Alles, Senior Researcher of Material Science at UT, Tel: 737 4658, E-mail: harry.alles [ät] ut.ee
Jaan Aarik, Professor of Solid State Technology at UT, Tel: 737 4674, E-mail: jaan.aarik [ät] ut.ee