It was announced yesterday that Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has awarded €6m in funding to University College Dublin (UCD) to increase Ireland’s capability as a Global centre for nanomanufacturing.
Prof Fengzhou Fang, regarded as one of the World’s pioneers in developing nanomanufacturing, has an impressive track record of combining leading academic research with successful commercialisation of the resulting intellectual property. Prof Fang will lead a cutting edge research programme in UCD designed to make Ireland a Global centre for nanomanufacturing.
His current research addresses ultra-precision machining of complex surfaces, at micro and nanometre scales, and in soft and hard materials. These surfaces are used in the global, multi-trillion euro medical devices industry. His UCD research programme could lead to key technical breakthroughs to enhance the processing efficiencies in manufacturing such complex surfaces.
Commenting on the investment, Director General of SFI, Prof Mark Ferguson said, "The appointment of Prof Fang epitomises Science Foundation Ireland’s commitment to strengthening Ireland’s international reputation for high-quality engineering and manufacturing research. Prof Fang has an exceptional international record in both academic publications and industrial collaborations."
He added, "His expertise will enhance the engineering community in UCD and Ireland, improve Ireland’s appeal as a destination of choice for world-class researchers and industrial collaborations and strengthen the industrial manufacturing base in Ireland."
Source: www.businessworld.ie