The University of Manchester is the home of graphene, where the material was first isolated, laying the foundations for a 2D materials revolution.
This breakthrough established Manchester as the global origin of graphene research and continues to shape the University’s leadership in advanced materials.
Graphene at Manchester is the ecosystem that connects fundamental research with innovation and application. By integrating discovery-led science with technology development, scale-up and commercialisation activity, it supports the translation of advanced materials research into practical solutions. This end-to-end approach enables ideas to progress from the laboratory through to industry engagement, product development and deployment.
The ecosystem also provides a clear gateway for external partners seeking to engage with the University’s graphene capabilities. Through collaboration with industry, policymakers and academic partners worldwide, it showcases Manchester’s sustained global leadership in graphene and advanced materials and its commitment to delivering economic, industrial and societal impact.
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Research
From breakthrough research to global impact
Research at Graphene at Manchester spans fundamental science through to applied research, exploring the properties, performance and potential of graphene and related materials. Interdisciplinary teams work across physics, chemistry, engineering and life sciences, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and international collaboration. This research base underpins everything that follows, ensuring innovation is built on scientific excellence.
Innovation
Powered by discovery
Innovation bridges the gap between discovery and use. Graphene at Manchester supports the development of new technologies, intellectual property and processes that respond to real industrial and societal challenges. By working closely with industry partners, the organisation helps transform laboratory breakthroughs into practical, deployable solutions.
Scale-up
Turing ideas into market ready technologies
Scaling advanced materials is complex. Graphene at Manchester provides the expertise, infrastructure and support needed to move technologies beyond the lab. Through pilot-scale facilities, commercialisation support and close engagement with entrepreneurs and businesses, it enables 2D material-enhanced products and processes to reach the market faster and with reduced risk.
Impact
Delivering impact fast and on a global scale
The impact of Graphene at Manchester extends beyond research outputs. Its work contributes to economic growth, skills development and the creation of new companies, while supporting advances in sectors such as manufacturing, energy, healthcare and sustainability. By translating research into application, the organisation delivers measurable benefits to industry and society.
Connect
Working together to shape the future of technology
Collaboration underpins success. Graphene at Manchester works with industry, investors, policymakers and academic partners worldwide to shape the future of advanced materials. Clear pathways exist for organisations and individuals to engage, collaborate and innovate with Manchester's 2D materials community.
History
Working together to shape the future of technology
Graphene is inseparably linked to The University of Manchester. The discovery of graphene at Manchester started a 2D materials research revolution, reshaping materials science and positioning the University at the centre of a global research and innovation ecosystem.
Graphene at Manchester at a glance
- Location: The University of Manchester, UK
- Focus: Graphene and two-dimensional materials
- Activities: Research, innovation, scale-up and commercialisation, education and skills development
- Strength: End-to-end pathway from discovery to deployment
- Reach: Global academic, industrial and policy partnerships
- Foundation: Origin of the Nobel Prize–winning isolation and discovery of graphene at The University of Manchester, UK
The University Manchester is the home of graphene. It was isolated here in 2004 and today, the University continues to lead advances in graphene and advanced materials. Its integrated approach links research, innovation and scale-up, enabling the translation of discovery-led science into real-world application.
With a proven ability to work closely with industry and accelerate adoption, it contributes to national and international advanced materials ecosystems while maintaining a clear focus on impact, not just discovery.
