New £1m funding pot for UK steel research

Swansea University

A UK sustainable steel research network is offering up to £1m (US$1.3m) in funding for other researchers to contribute.

The Strategic University Steel Technology and Innovation Network (SUSTAIN) is a seven-year research programme led by the University of Swansea in partnership with Sheffield University and the University of Warwick. There are also more than 20 partners across the UK steel industry. The £35m (US$45m) network is partially supported by a £10m investment from the EPSRC.

The aim of SUSTAIN is to perform research into decarbonising the steel industry and making it more sustainable. Non-affiliated academics and innovators can now apply for funding from a £1m pot for feasibility studies. The research can be in the five areas of the SUSTAIN project: emissions management, zero waste steelmaking, data-driven innovation, smart low-energy production, or new processes for new products. There is also a possibility for a study to introduce a new theme. An engagement event for potential partners will be held at the Royal Society in London on 4 December.

Cameron Pleydell-Pearce, Professor at Swansea University College of Engineering and Deputy Director of SUSTAIN, said: “SUSTAIN is a massive vote of confidence in the steel industry. It will support the industry’s vision for a responsible, innovative and creative future. We are already on the road to clean, green and smart steelmaking, but this is another giant step forward. There will be other researchers and experts out there who can contribute, and who may not even realise that their work could help. These are the people we want to reach, which is why we are hosting this event in London.”