Centre aims to advance plasma science

The University of York and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) are have established a partnership to create a world-leading, interdisciplinary plasma research centre. With £6 million investment over five years, the York Plasma Institute, will have a new purpose-built laboratory, expanding the University’s existing programme of hot plasma science research for fusion energy applications to include low temperature plasmas for technological applications such as modifying surface functionality, or to create biocompatibles for medical applications. Three world-class academics will be appointed to lead a new research group focusing on the science of low temperature plasmas.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Cantor, said: “The York Plasma Institute provides an exciting environment to foster interdisciplinary development of plasma science and technology. It will nurture collaborative programmes between University academics and industry to maximise the value of our research and its impact on society.”

The Institute’s Director, Professor Howard Wilson, added: "The York Plasma Institute will provide a unique research and education facility in the UK, bringing high temperature plasma studies for fusion energy under the same roof as low temperature technological plasma studies, to exploit synergies between the fields and related disciplines, and drive collaborations with industry."

Dr Andrew Bourne, Head of EPSRC’s Physical Sciences Programme, said: "EPSRC is delighted to sponsor this new centre that aims to innovatively integrate research activities from various plasma research approaches from both the major UK research laboratories and international collaborations. The strategic focus is centred on establishing new cooperation in the emerging technological plasma research area with industry as well facilitating the access of small/medium scale enterprises in the UK to the EU and international fusion research programmes. This has the potential to be of great benefit to the UK.”

A dedicated Industry Officer will also be appointed to oversee progression of the science into industrial applications and also to work in partnership with the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) in Oxford, to help make sure that UK industry is well placed to benefit from the opportunities that the international fusion programme offers, particularly the €10billion ITER international fusion energy facility under construction in France. The York plasma group plays an influential role in the science preparations for ITER.