The National Graphene Institute (NGI) is the national centre for graphene and advanced two‑dimensional materials research, collaboration and capability development.
Based at The University of Manchester, NGI brings together researchers, industry partners and specialist facilities to support fundamental and industry‑informed research across application areas including energy and sustainability, electronics, healthcare and advanced manufacturing.
With interdisciplinary expertise, cleanrooms, advanced laboratories, and technical support, NGI enables work from discovery and characterisation through to device development and early‑stage application, providing a strong foundation for effective research partnerships.
"World-leading research is a combination of singular whirlpools, generated by outstanding individuals. The NGI is a home for many of those individuals, and we are constantly looking for a new talent, providing them with excellent infrastructure and offering a unique intellectual environment."
Vladimir FalkoProfessor and Director of the National Graphene Institute
Research and collaboration
We support research into graphene and advanced two‑dimensional materials, spanning disciplines including physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering.
This interdisciplinary approach enables new understanding of material properties and supports research that is informed by real‑world challenges. NGI provides an environment where academic and industry‑engaged research can be developed side by side, from fundamental studies through to early application.
Facilities and technical capability
NGI provides access to a comprehensive suite of specialist facilities designed to support advanced materials research and development.
These include laboratories for materials synthesis and characterisation, alongside fabrication equipment that enables precise investigation and manipulation at the nanoscale. NGI’s facilities support both academic research and collaborative projects with industry partners.
Cleanroom facilities
At the heart of NGI is more than 1,500 m² of ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanroom space, providing a highly controlled environment for nanofabrication and device development.
Equipped with advanced lithography, deposition and etching technologies, the cleanrooms support the integration of graphene and other two‑dimensional materials into test structures and prototype devices.
Working with partners
Collaboration is central to NGI’s role as a national research institute.
The NGI works with academic and industrial partners to support collaborative research, access to specialist facilities and the development of shared expertise. By providing a research‑led environment and technical capability, NGI helps partners explore new ideas and develop technologies at an early stage.
NGI at a glance
- Location: The University of Manchester, UK
- Focus: fundamental and industry‑informed research into graphene and advanced two‑dimensional (2D) materials
- Activities: experimental research, materials characterisation and device development
- Expertise: multidisciplinary teams across physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering
- Facilities: specialist laboratories and ISO Class 5 and 6 cleanrooms
- Partnerships: collaboration with academic institutions and research‑led industry partners
The University of Manchester is the birthplace of graphene, first isolated in 2004 and remains a global centre for research into graphene and advanced materials.
Through institutes such as NGI, the University brings together expertise, facilities and disciplines to deepen understanding of two‑dimensional materials and support continued research in this rapidly evolving field.
