• H2020
• Excellent Science
• Future & Emerging Technologies

The UK’s Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson has announced £17.7m (~€20.5m) in the research and development of new healthcare technologies.

The funds, provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will be divided between four major healthcare research programmes that will address the healthcare challenges of an ageing population.

Professor Philip Nelson, CEO of EPSRC, said:  “More of us are living longer than before. It is vital for us to continue to invest in science and engineering research so we can ensure we have active, healthy and high quality later years. The EPSRC is striving to make the UK a healthy nation and one where research, discovery and innovation flourishes. These programmes will help deliver both of these objectives.”

Four major universities – The University of Manchester, Imperial College London, the University of Leeds, and the University of Glasgow – will each lead a project aiming to extend the use of 2D materials such as graphene in developing technologies for wound care; improve the range of applications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis; develop methods for new therapies that combine simulation and computer modelling to predict and improve mechanical performance (of joints); and develop methods for the use of growth factor molecules in regenerative medicine, amongst other things.

Johnson added: “The UK is a world leader in medical breakthroughs and home to innovative healthcare companies that know how to turn our expertise into good business. This investment will help diagnose cardiovascular diseases, treat debilitating illnesses, and ultimately improve the lives of millions of patients and their families.”