The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is funding 23 partnerships with a £41 million investment, matched with a further £56 million from businesses and academia.
The projects will deliver pioneering technologies that will improve lives and grow the economy, including:
- advancing drug development and manufacturing so that life-saving medicines can reach patients sooner
- using AI to assist examiners when they mark GCSE and A-level exams
- protecting national transport, manufacturing and energy infrastructure from future cyber attacks
- developing longer lasting batteries to transform the electrification of cars, aircraft and ships
Working with industry partners
Each partnership is co-created and co-delivered with UK business partners to ensure the research addresses industry needs.
They range from big household names to small and medium-sized enterprises, including:
- AstraZeneca
- Bupa
- GSK
- Pulpex Ltd
- Quantum Motion Technologies
- Rolls-Royce
- Synthomer
- Tata Steel
Turning science into practical solutions
Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, said:
These partnerships show the range of real-world challenges the UK’s world-class research base is helping to tackle, from cutting carbon emissions in heavy transport, to improving access to life-saving medicines.
By backing scientists to work hand-in-hand with industry, we’re combining cutting-edge research with business expertise to turn science into practical solutions that can make a difference in people’s daily lives.
Making a real difference to people’s lives
EPSRC Executive Chair, Professor Charlotte Deane, said:
Our flagship Prosperity Partnerships scheme brings together world-class expertise from businesses and academia to solve big challenges to support the growth of industry and advance UK research.
These 23 ambitious projects present a significant investment in the UK’s future.
From speeding up drug manufacturing to longer lasting batteries, these partnerships have the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives and help boost the economy.
Transforming future medicines
Several projects will focus on making drug manufacturing faster, cheaper and more sustainable.
Two separate projects are partnering with AstraZeneca, the first being conducted at the University of Bristol.
This project aims to replace palladium, a rare, polluting metal used in drug manufacturing, with earth-abundant metals like iron and nickel to reduce carbon emissions.
Exploring medical advancements
The second with University College London (UCL) will drive a new era of AI-powered research and development to improve the development and manufacturing of next-generation biological therapies for:
- cancer
- obesity
- autoimmune conditions
Another UCL project is partnering with Lonza to make advanced, life-saving protein medicines more widely available.
While the University of Strathclyde will partner with GSK to design and test new classes of molecules that can tune and even reprogramme biological systems.
Addressing different challenges
Among the other projects, a partnership between King’s College London and exam board AQA will develop a safe AI virtual assistant.
This project aims to assist examiners when they mark GCSE and A-level exams, seeking to ensure that students receive the fairest exam results.
Energy and environment efficient
Swansea University will strengthen cybersecurity in critical national transport, manufacturing and energy infrastructure, aiming to protect against future cyber threats and prevent economic losses.
Meanwhile, the University of Nottingham will develop next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries designed to endure hundreds of charging cycles without losing energy.
This can potentially transform electrification of transport and help achieve net zero targets.
A flagship scheme
Since 2017, when the initiative was launched, 100 Prosperity Partnerships have received a total share of more than £600 million from EPSRC, industry partners and research organisations.
Such partnerships have paved the way for new and exciting discoveries and innovations.
For example, the development of a fleet of zero emissions buses across the UK through a partnership between Wrightbus and Queen’s University Belfast.
Building on success
The scheme has also formed strong links between companies and universities, leading to further collaborations.
A new project announced today between The University of Edinburgh and Rolls-Royce will drive cleaner aviation, building on the success of a previous Prosperity Partnership, ASiMoV.
The new project takes ASiMoV’s research to build the world’s first complete gas turbine simulation one step further with both physical and computational modelling.
Further information
The projects (listed alphabetically by institution)
Mission biodegradability: foundations for the sustainable future of formulated polymers
Led by Professor Andrew P Dove, University of Birmingham
Business partner: Amy Goddard, Croda
More than 36 million tonnes of polymer in liquid formulations are consumed every year, and are critical for the performance of products, such as thickening shampoos and cleaning kitchen surfaces.
However, most of these polymers are made from petrochemical-based resources and they cannot be recovered post-use, making their biodegradability and environmental impact crucial.
To tackle this environmental challenge, this Prosperity Partnership unites nine collaborators to create methods, models and design principles that predict how polymers break down and impact the environment.
The aim is for new polymers to be designed with biodegradability in mind from the start.
Not only will this help achieve net zero goals, but it will also give consumers greater access to safer, more sustainable everyday products.
Fusion reactor shielding materials (FURESHMA): understanding in-service degradation
Led by Professor Arunodaya Bhattacharya, University of Birmingham
Business partner: Jim Pickles, Tokamak Energy
This project is set to help the UK move closer towards clean, reliable fusion energy.
It will develop pioneering advanced shielding materials that will protect future fusion power plants from extreme heat and radiation.
These materials are vital to keeping reactors running stably.
As fusion energy offers a virtually limitless supply of carbon-free power, there is huge potential to boost the UK’s energy security and support net zero goals.
Beyond cutting emissions, the project will support the UK’s clean energy economy by creating skilled jobs, attracting investment and strengthening global partnerships.
Overall, it will help position the UK as a global leader in the race to commercial fusion power.
Earth-abundant metal catalysis in the production of pharmaceutical drugs (drEAMcat)
Led by Professor Robin Bedford, University of Bristol
Business partner: James Douglas, AstraZeneca
Other partner: Labman
This project aims to transform how we make medicines by replacing palladium, a rare, polluting metal used to speed up chemical reactions in drug manufacturing, with sustainable earth-abundant metals like iron and nickel.
Iron produces over 2,500 times less carbon dioxide (CO2) than palladium during extraction, making it far better for the environment.
These metals will enable faster, simpler drug production supporting the development of potentially life-changing treatments for patients.
Led by researchers at the University of Bristol, AstraZeneca and Labman, the project brings together experts from across the UK science landscape and industry to pave the way for a greener and more efficient future in medicine.
BladeUp: secure upscale of wind turbine blade production capacity
Led by Professor Alberto Pirrera, University of Bristol
Business partner: Adrian Gill, Vestas Wind Systems
Other partner: LMAT
As the world moves towards net zero emissions, demand for wind power is growing rapidly.
This project will transform the design and manufacture of wind turbine blades using advanced computer modelling and machine learning, which will cut costs, reduce waste and speed up production, making wind energy more affordable and reliable.
The aim is to boost production capability using existing infrastructure to facilitate the rapid growth of renewable energy.
In pursuing this goal, the partnership will generate innovations that will also benefit industries like the aerospace and the automotive sectors through lighter, more efficient composite structures.
Ultimately, this partnership will strengthen UK manufacturing and ensure national energy systems are secure and resilient.
Transforming mobility power by dedicated high-efficiency and zero emission hydrogen combustion engines
Led by Professor Hua Zhao, Brunel University of London
Business partner: Nathan Bailey, Advanced Innovative Engineering Ltd
Other partners: Mahle Powertrain Ltd
This project aims to develop clean, affordable hydrogen-powered engines to help the UK reach net zero emissions by 2050.
While electric vehicles work well for cars, hydrogen offers a clean and flexible solution for heavy vehicles, ships, aircraft, and agriculture and construction machines.
Using cutting-edge engineering, researchers will create new hydrogen rotary and piston engines that are efficient, low-cost and easy to scale using existing supply infrastructure.
These engines will cut emissions across transport and industry, making sustainable transport a reality for these sectors.
Overall, it will help cement the UK as a leader in hydrogen energy, stimulating economic and technological growth.
EngZyme: engineered enzymatic catalysts for in-flow carbon upcycling
Led by Professor Ljiljana Fruk, University of Cambridge
Business partner: Dr Normann Mertig, Hitachi Europe Ltd
One of the biggest challenges in realising carbon circularity is the high cost of capturing CO2.
Traditionally, captured CO2 has been converted into low-value chemicals such as green methanol.
This project aims to make carbon-circular chemical production more economical by upcycling green methanol into more valuable chemicals used in cosmetics, pharma, or chemical production.
This will be achieved by using engineered enzymes and nanoparticle-inspired enzyme mimics within compact, continuous-flow reactors.
The approach is designed to be efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly.
The innovative process targets wide adoption of CO2 upcycling by chemical companies, a crucial step towards achieving net zero goals.
ADAPT-EAF: accelerating the development of automotive and packaging steel technology for EAF production
Led by Professor Howard Stone, University of Cambridge
Business partner: Bin Xiao, Tata Steel UK
This project aims to secure the future of UK steelmaking by addressing the challenges associated with recycled steel production using electric arc furnaces (EAFs).
AI tools coupled with rapid alloy prototyping and advanced testing will be used to predict and optimise the performance of steel made in EAFs.
Particular focus will be given to EAF compatible steels for car bodies and food cans.
The project will support the next generation of steel professionals to ensure vital knowledge and skills remain in the UK.
Ultimately, it will ensure the UK has access to high-quality steel, strengthening the economy.
AI2: assurance and insurance for AI
Led by Professor Lukasz Szpruch, The University of Edinburgh
Business partner: Marcin Detyniecki, Axa
This project will lay the groundwork for future AI through research by exploring insurance services to protect organisations from underperforming or unreliable AI solutions.
The goal is to increase trust in AI technologies and encourage businesses and organisations to use AI safely and responsibly.
As AI becomes more common in our daily lives, from healthcare to autonomous vehicles, it is essential to manage the risks associated with it.
This project will develop new methods to understand, measure, and ultimately insure against potential AI failures.
This will provide clear incentives for AI developers to create safer and more reliable products.
By doing so, people and businesses will be better protected from harm.
Virtual exascale calculations transform aviation (VECTA)
Led by Professor Mark Parsons, EPCC, The University of Edinburgh
Business partner: Professor Tony Phipps, Rolls-Royce plc
In order to decarbonise, aviation, along with other industries, must introduce new fuels and technologies.
With the recent UK government £750 million supercomputer announcement, a University of Edinburgh and Rolls-Royce led consortium, will accurately model and remedy emerging behaviours arising from use of environmentally friendly fuels in future gas turbine engines.
This has huge long-term potential for the UK economy, keeping the aerospace sector at the forefront of aviation sustainability.
Securing chemical synthesis by chemputation in the Glasgow-Chemify Prosperity Partnership
Led by Professor Lee Cronin, University of Glasgow
Business partner: Greig Chisholm, Chemify
For the last three decades, the decline of chemical synthesis in the Western world has been driven by the movement of labour to low-cost economies.
This movement has led to a loss of capability, fragile supply chains and the exporting of pollution to the rest of the world.
As a result, the potential impact of digital technologies on areas of manufacturing critical to UK infrastructure, including health and pharmaceuticals has been reduced.
This project will create a revolutionary approach to chemical synthesis, leveraging digital chemistry or ‘Chemputation’.
This innovative method aims to greatly accelerate the rate of chemical synthesis compared to competitors in India and China, all while maintaining the same cost.
AI-enabled high stakes assessment
Led by Professor Yulan He, King’s College London
Business partner: Dr Cesare Aloisi, AQA Education
This project aims to enhance how GCSE and A-level exams are marked by incorporating AI technology.
AI can add an additional layer of quality control to help examiners achieve high-quality marking decision consistently.
Researchers will work alongside teachers, students, and subject experts to develop a safe and reliable virtual assistant to support examiners in the future.
Ultimately, it seeks to ensure the fairest exam outcomes for students, improve quality and reduce costs for schools and the education system.
In addition to education, this technology has the potential to benefit other industries, such as law and medicine, which rely on experts to make decisions about other people.
Smart materials, processes and optical devices for immersive technologies
Led by Dr Mamatha Nagaraj, University of Leeds
Business partner: Owain Parri, the Electronics business of Merck
Over the past decade, augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies have made significant strides, yet devices remain bulky and expensive.
To support more natural and seamless digital interaction, there is a growing need for wearable technologies to be both comfortable and affordable.
This project will address the key limitations of current AR/VR systems such as motion sickness, cost, and equitable access by developing advanced materials and optical components.
The goal is to create AR/VR devices that are no more intrusive than a pair of glasses, helping immersive tech become more accessible and widely adopted across sectors.
In education, it could help teachers train and explain abstract concepts to students.
Meanwhile, in healthcare, it could support patient wellbeing by reducing stress during procedures and enhancing rehabilitation.
Centre for the decarbonisation of heavy-duty power systems
Led by Professor Adrian Spencer, Loughborough University
Business partner: Mark Scaife, Perkins Engines
This project will perform foundational research required to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in the heavy-duty vehicle sector.
It will focus on topics to enable the use of alternative fuels including hydrogen and synthetic e-fuels such as methanol and ethanol.
The centre aims to optimise engine efficiency for a range of alternative fuels, while reducing emissions, and enhancing material durability and performance.
It will also create engineering design tools to support the rapid, robust, and optimal operation of new products to support consumers’ sustainability objectives.
The goal is industrial adoption of this research, leading to more efficient heavy-duty machinery that will help build a better, more sustainable world.
CHaMP: circularity in healthcare materials provision
Led by Professor Michael Shaver, The University of Manchester
Business partner: Anna Russell, Bupa
This project aims to reduce the environmental impact and waste generated by the healthcare sector.
It will address plastic waste and single-use items in health clinics, dental practices and hospitals by exploring safer ways to reuse and recycle consumables while maintaining high clinical standards.
With access to Bupa clinics and people from across the UK, researchers will explore how to integrate new practices and systemic changes without compromising patient care.
The project focuses on four main areas:
- understanding social practices
- lowering the footprint of sterilisation
- improving segregation and recycling processes
- assessing environmental impacts of comparative fates and materials
FIRETRACE: thermal effects in cryogenic electronics for quantum computing
Led by Dr Jonathan Fletcher, National Physical Laboratory and Dr Alessandro Rossi, University of Strathclyde
Business partner: Grayson Noah, Quantum Motion Technologies Ltd
One promising approach to building quantum computers is to harness the power of modern semiconductor manufacturing.
Quantum bits can be made by ‘squeezing’ the electric charge down to single electron level using transistors operated at cryogenic temperatures, near absolute zero.
Controlling electronics at very low temperatures is challenging as heating effects can prevent both conventional and quantum electronics from operating properly.
To overcome these challenges, this project will create advanced tools to measure and monitor the thermal behaviour of low temperature electronics.
Understanding and controlling electronics in a cryogenic environment is key to scaling semiconductor quantum computing so that it can solve the toughest mathematical challenges in science, engineering and medicine.
Stabilisation of metal anodes for long-life lithium-sulfur batteries (SiMBa)
Led by Professor Darren Walsh, University of Nottingham
Business partner: Adrien Amigues, Gelion plc
This project seeks to accelerate the development of lithium-sulfur batteries, a promising next-generation battery that could transform electric transportation in cars, aircraft and ships.
These batteries are lighter than today’s lithium-ion batteries making them ideal for vehicles, but they currently wear out too quickly.
To solve this, researchers will combine state-of-the-art analytical chemistry and electrochemistry to find ways to protect the batteries from degrading.
The goal is to build a lab-scale battery that can last hundreds of charge cycles without losing energy storage, a critical step in the move towards widespread electrification of transportation.
Energy storage for decarbonisation
Led by: Professor Paul Shearing and Professor David Howey, University of Oxford
Business partner: Allan Patterson, Fortescue Zero
The University of Oxford and Fortescue Zero will lead a project to develop safer, longer lasting, and more efficient industrial batteries for vehicles in difficult to decarbonise industries like mining, transport and construction.
They will carry out research anchored in Oxford’s ZERO Institute and building on Fortescue Zero’s leadership in electrifying mining equipment.
The project will use AI, new materials, and smart management systems to improve the durability and performance of batteries, cutting costs and potentially accelerating the shift to zero emission technologies.
This could lead to new UK-made products with global export potential, and help deliver cleaner air, lower carbon emissions, and more sustainable infrastructure.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of next generation molecules beyond Lipinski space
Led by Professor Craig Jamieson, University of Strathclyde
Business partner: Dr Tim Barrett, GSK
The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges in discovering new treatments for increasingly complex diseases.
This project will focus on designing and testing new classes of molecules that can tune and even reprogramme biological systems.
These emerging molecules have the potential to revolutionise our ability to intervene in a range of disease states.
Using AI and machine learning, the project will develop innovative approaches that underpin how these novel molecules are made and how to target them precisely in the body.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a robust platform for the discovery of future medicines.
SustaPack Partnership: AI and modelling for the next generation of sustainable, high-performance packaging to meet net zero targets
Led by Professor Joseph Keddie, University of Surrey
Business partner: Scott Winston, Pulpex Ltd
Researchers from the University of Surrey have teamed up with packaging company Pulpex Ltd to improve the design of their new paper-based bottle made of cellulose fibres.
The project aims to develop low-energy, sustainable spraying methods for barrier coatings that prevent liquids from leaking and are also food-safe and biodegradable.
The team will use AI, fast cameras and computer simulations to fix defects in the wet coatings as they occur and better understand the manufacturing processes.
With a carbon footprint 30% lower than plastic bottles, the roll-out of this paper bottle could significantly cut carbon emissions and reduce plastic pollution.
As a result, consumers will have more packaging options to help them reduce their personal environmental impact.
Engineering for cyber resilience: through-life modelling and analysis (ENCYRCLE)
Led by Professor Siraj Shaikh, Swansea University
Business partner: Peter Davis, Thales
As AI and hyper-connectivity are rapidly advancing, keeping systems safe and secure is more important than ever.
This project focuses on strengthening cybersecurity in critical national transport, manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
It will develop innovative solutions that protect and enhance the security of automated and connected systems throughout their lifespan.
This will help prevent economic losses from cyberattacks and support industries that rely on secure and undisrupted operations.
A dedicated research lab of researchers and industry experts will engage with the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre to drive innovation in cyber resilience.
This research aligns with the UK government’s cybersecurity strategy and will help maintain public trust.
Next-gen biopharma manufacturing 5.0
Led by Professor Suzanne Farid, UCL
Business partner: James Savery, AstraZeneca
This project will transform how the UK develops and manufactures complex biological medicines such as next-generation antibody therapies for cancer, obesity and autoimmune conditions.
These therapies hold huge promise but are difficult and costly to produce at scale.
Researchers from UCL and AstraZeneca will lead the digital transformation of biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing, building on a decade-long collaboration.
Using AI, automation and digital twins they aim to improve medicine development and production, cut waste and reduce carbon emissions. This means people may have faster and more improved access to life-saving therapies.
This project will strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness in medicine manufacturing and position it as a leader in the next wave of biopharmaceutical innovation.
Model-assisted, self-optimising unit operations for accelerated bioprocess optimisations
Led by Prof Dr Nicolas Szita, UCL
Business partner: Dr Colin Jaques, Lonza
This project aims to make advanced, life-saving biopharmaceuticals (protein medicines) more widely available.
Next generation biopharmaceuticals are becoming increasingly complex.
More complex molecules are more difficult to produce.
To bring new discoveries of such complex molecules to the patient requires careful evaluation and optimisation of the manufacturing process.
To achieve this goal, Lonza and UCL Biochemical Engineering will together harness advances in three technology areas and create a novel approach for biomanufacturing optimisation.
They will combine microfluidics, a technology capable of finely controlling small liquid volumes, with advanced analytical methods and AI to rapidly find the optimal conditions for biomanufacturing of any given new biopharmaceutical.
Overall, the project aims to enable the delivery of new medicines to patients quicker, more cost-effectively and sustainably.
Biobased monomers for a defossilised speciality polymer industry
Led by Professor Helen Sneddon, Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, University of York
Business partner: Robin Harrison, Synthomer
High performance specialty polymers play vital roles in key sectors such as:
- coatings
- construction
- adhesives
- health
- protection
As part of an increasing move away from petrochemicals, this project will work with British manufacturer Synthomer to deliver bio-derived, lower carbon footprint monomers.
These high-quality, reproducible monomers will act as the building blocks for future Synthomer products.
Made from renewable sources that will not compete with food production, the new monomers will help Synthomer meet their net zero targets.