Graphene was isolated at The University of Manchester, a breakthrough that reshaped materials science and established the University as the global home of graphene research.
Since that discovery, Manchester has built one of the world’s largest and most advanced graphene research capabilities, spanning fundamental science, applied research and real-world impact across disciplines.
More than 400 researchers across physics, materials science, chemistry, neuroscience and engineering work collaboratively to advance fundamental understanding of graphene and 2D materials, while accelerating progress towards real-world applications.
National research facilities
The National Graphene Institute (NGI)
The focal point for graphene and 2D materials research at Manchester, providing advanced infrastructure, shared facilities and a collaborative research environment.
Our research is enabled through the National Graphene Institute (NGI), a world-leading research facility in Manchester that provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and a collaborative environment for pioneering graphene and 2D materials research.
"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
An environment for bold discovery
At Manchester, we have created an environment built for bold discovery, investing £1 billion over the last 10 years in our campus, creating the ideal research environment for 2D material discovery and development.
This research environment brings together expertise and facilties designed to supercharge R&D and create economic impact, with the National Graphene Institute at its core.
Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre
Accelerating scale up, helping industries translate ideas into market ready solutions.
Centre for Nanotechnology in Medicine
Applying nanomaterials and graphene technologies to healthcare challenges.
Department of Materials
Home to a large, interdisciplinary research community spanning fundamental and applied materials science.
The Henry Royce Institute
The UK’s national institute for advanced materials research and innovation.
Our research ecosystem
Our thriving ecosystem brings together world-leading researchers, industry partners and specialist facilities to support research and development at every stage from discovery to deployment. Through close collaboration and translational expertise, we help organisations move faster, reduce risk and create real-world impact.
500+ experts
The largest community of 2D materials scientists and engineers in the world
150+ 2D materials
Investigated and understood by our world-leading researchers
1000+ publications
Sharing knowledge, publishing breakthroughs and identifying new properties, applications and uses
Pathways for students and researchers
Integrated pathways within a world-leading research environment
Research in graphene and 2D materials at The University of Manchester is closely integrated with education and training at all levels. Students and early-career researchers work alongside world-leading academics within active research groups, gaining experience that spans fundamental discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration and translation.
From undergraduate study through to postgraduate and doctoral research, these pathways form part of the wider graphene research ecosystem centred on the National Graphene Institute, providing a clear route into advanced research, facilities and networks.
These pathways form part of the wider graphene research ecosystem centred on the National Graphene Institute.
Work with us to shape your 2D material R&D. Access world-class expertise, facilities and talent, at the home of graphene.
