UK centre to be named ‘The Masdar Building’

dubai — A new research centre at the University of Manchester in England aimed at marketing products and technologies made from a “wonder material” known as graphene will be called ‘The Masdar Building’.

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, or Masdar, is the principal funder of the purpose-built Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), which held its formal “topping out” ceremony attended by UK and UAE government representatives and university officials. Graphene is a super-strong, highly-flexible nanomaterial with unique properties that could be used for many applications in the future, including energy storage solutions, water purification technology, lightweight airplanes, mobile phones and even clothing.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said: “Through its support of the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Masdar is proud to be part of the journey of discovery that is turning the promise of graphene into practical, commercially viable solutions.”

“The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, which we today name The Masdar Building, will help accelerate the development of graphene applications demonstrated in the laboratory into real-world solutions,” Al Ramahi added. “The centre supports the business strategy of Masdar — to participate in advanced clean technologies as soon as they show commercial potential — and the wider commitment of the UAE to promote the knowledge economy.”

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, said: “We are grateful to all of the funders for their investment into what promises to be an incredible asset.”

— business@khaleejtimes.com