In August of 2002 the University of Wales Swansea (Swansea University) made a bold step in development of collaboration within Wales for Nanotechnology. Combining University of Wales Swansea (UWS), University of Wales Aberystwyth (UWA), University of Wales College of Medicine (UWCM) and Cardiff University (CU) with the objective to create the infrastructure for the development of a cutting-edge nanotechnology research centre at UWS. The centre brought together internationally-leading scientists, and achieved added value by creating new opportunities for research in emerging area of acknowledged importance. By definition, the centre is multi-faceted, focussing effort into new ‘boundary’ projects where the synergy of three key groups of staff from the School of Engineering (Chemical and Biological Process Engineering, and Electronic Engineering) and the Department of Physics, form the broad knowledge base; these groups, totalling over 50 researchers. Furthermore, inclusion of complementary research groups that were established in the newly created Clinical School, Biological Sciences, and the EPSRC Mass Spectrometry Unit based in the then Chemistry Department and the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating have also be prioritised. The realisation of this centre was achieved through:
- The creation of a coherent physical space, housing specialist laboratories and research personnel acted as a ‘central hub’ to foster research interaction in a multidisciplinary environment where cross fertilisation of ideas, techniques and technologies flourish.
- The purchase of state of the art equipment to support nanotechnology research in several ‘boundary areas’. The new equipment, which had capabilities not presently available in Wales, or indeed internationally, brought together microscopy and spectroscopy and had applications in nano-fabrication. Scanning probe microscopes that allow structural, mechanical, electronic, optical and chemical properties of surfaces and interfaces to be probed on the nano-length scale under a variety of environments formed a powerful platform. High-speed cameras that permit the observation of processes on the nano-time scale in conjunction with scanning probe microscopes were required. The equipment complemented the existing instruments at Swansea.
- The appointment of talented research staff and research students working within the new, shared laboratories created the multidisciplinary environment and helped facilitate skill and knowledge transfer.
- Initiation of ‘boundary projects’ in the fabrication of nano-functional materials and devices, for example, bio-electronic systems, biological units, membranes, sensors, tissue engineering and biomedical materials. Manipulation of chemical, structural, electronic and optical properties of such systems on the nanoscale formed a central theme.
- Securing a long-term growth strategy for the Multidisciplinary Centre of Nanotechnology by continuous innovation leading to enhanced support from Funding Councils and Industry.
- Bringing international experts in nanotechnology to Wales to visit the new Centre and to work there for extended periods. Reciprocal visits of Centre staff and students to internationally leading nanotechnology laboratories.
- Creating a pan-Wales Centre for Nanotechnology where the instrumentation and facilities are open to researchers from all institutions of Higher and Further Education.
