AsianScientist (Dec. 25, 2014) – Six new research projects to improve the sustainability of infrastructure development in the UK and China, are to receive over £3 million (~US$4.68 million) in funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The funding follows on from a visit to the UK earlier this year by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NFSC) President Yang Wei. The projects will involve academics from nine UK universities which will partner with nine leading institutions in China.
NSFC Vice President Liu Congqiang said: “Collaboration in science and research is essential if the world is to solve the sustainability challenges presented by growing populations, energy demand and climate change. NSFC is ready to join hands with EPSRC to facilitate such collaboration between Chinese and UK researchers to attain solutions that could improve products, health and wellbeing of our citizens.”
Professor Philip Nelson, EPSRC’s Chief Executive, said: “These collaborative EPSRC and NSFC projects have emerged as a result of a joint call in 2013 following the Global Grand Challenges Summit of the same year. Developing advanced materials and improving sustainability in infrastructure will help both the UK and China address environmental, economic and resource challenges that face both countries and the rest of the world.”
The research partnership will investigate topics such as how to develop intelligent coatings for windows to improve energy efficiency, whether industrial wastes can safely replace natural raw materials in the cement kiln and the development of multi-functional aggregates that will enable concrete to conduct electricity and reduce environmental pollution, among others.
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Source: EPSRC.
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