Cardiff University has been awarded £13 million to fund its compound semiconductor research. It is a grant from the European Union. BBC reported that the EU grant will be used to build, equip and operate a "state-of-the-art" clean room at Cardiff University, particularly its Institute for Compound Semiconductor. The research will be focusing on the development of new products and services.
Cardiff University has said that it would increase prosperity in south Wales through industrial innovation. The center is set up by the school and high tech company IQE, which is based in St. Mellons, back in 2015.
According to Wales Online, Kier Group has been appointed to undertake £80 million for the early stage work on the third phase of Cardiff Innovation Campus. Two centers: SPARK, which will become the world's first social science research park, and Innovation Center, which is a creative space for start-ups and partnerships, will be created.
Another building will be the location of two leading scientific research establishments. It will house the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and the Cardiff Catalysis Institute. The £135 million project will provide 135 construction jobs. Consent for the fully-funded project was secured last November. It is being supported by the Welsh Government.
The pro vice-chancellor for research, innovation and engagement, Professor Hywel Thomas, has said that the two new buildings will open up the economic potential of catalysis and Compound Semiconductors. It will also enable researchers to harness the application of social science to solve global problems.
In a report on Compound Semiconductor magazine, it was revealed that the campus vision was outlined two years ago by vice-chancellor Colin Riordan. Riordan confirmed that a new campus would help create opportunities for everyone. It can facilitate cutting-edge research, technology transfer and business development as well as student enterprise.
Cardiff University is currently looking for internationally-renowned academics who have the ability to create world-class teams of researchers. The school is also equipping students with the skills they will need for future ventures.