Fresh funding for Exeter research hub creating new medical sensors and healthier soft drinks

Researchers in Exeter have today (Saturday 24 May) been selected to host a state-of-the-art facility developing new materials designed at microscopic scale.

From new medical sensors to components for next-generation computers that could boost cyber security or discover new medicines, Exeter experts are bringing state-of-the-art new materials to life with £19.6 million backing 

Exeter University’s MetaHub will design materials with specially engineered properties, not found in nature, at microscopic scale

MetaHub has already attracted £4.5 million of private investment, boosting to the high-growth technologies and sectors that will drive our Plan for Change in the South West and beyond

Researchers in Exeter have today (Saturday 24 May) been selected to host a state-of-the-art facility developing new materials designed at microscopic scale – paving the way for new jobs and businesses in everything from medical sensors to healthier food colourings in soft drinks. 

The University of Exeter’s MetaHub will be supported by £19.6 million in public and private backing, announced by Science Minister Lord Vallance at the University.

The MetaHub is focused on ‘nanoscale metamaterials’ – a new class of advanced materials, designed at the tiniest, molecular level, so that they have new and useful properties that cannot be found in the natural world. This could enable components to be created that are much smaller than current technology allows, or that can perform new functions that aren’t possible with existing materials.

These new materials could be used to make the next generation of computer components and radio transmitters for defence systems, diagnostic tools for healthcare, and healthier food colourings for soft drinks. Their work is being backed by businesses ranging from defence and security firms QinetiQ and Leonardo to multinational drinks manufacturer PepsiCo.