The University of Plymouth is investing more than £1.7million to enhance its world-leading research – and engagement with businesses – through electron microscopy.
The project, supported by a grant of around £1million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), will enable the University to expand the size and capacity of its Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC).
It will see the centre moving into new facilities on the Plymouth campus, which will have double the number of microscopes currently available and an increased number of staff to operate them.
It will also advance the support available to the local business and research community, enabling the University to work with more companies and establish a mentoring network of those that have either benefitted from – or are interested in accessing – the innovative technology.
PEMC was established more than 30 years ago and, in that time, has worked with more than 700 companies in sectors ranging from aerospace and engineering, to mining and food production.
The new funding, and the technology it offers, will enable it to continue those engagement activities while increasing its capability to cover fields such as biological, medical and marine sciences.