Institute for functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) at NUS and the European Union Graphene Flagship co-host first joint workshop on Research innovation in 2D materials and beyond
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is emerging as a leader in graphene and 2D materials innovation, further consolidating Singapore’s position as a hub for scientific and technological research and innovation in developing novel functional intelligent materials.
NUS’ Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials (I-FIM) hosted the first Singapore–EU Graphene Flagship workshop on 27 and 28 March 2023, designed to enable key researchers and industry stakeholders from Singapore and Europe to share research, innovations, and discuss possibilities for collaborations in graphene and related 2D materials.
Graphene, dubbed by media as a ‘wonder material’, is an exciting nanomaterial identified in 2004 that has the potential to be used in novel applications across a wide range of industries – including health, environment, transport, energy, and electronics.
It is the world’s thinnest material, and is also extremely strong, flexible, transparent, and highly conductive. These qualities mean it is already in use in various industrial contexts, such as to reinforce existing materials through coatings and composites. Graphene can be meaningfully integrated into applications ranging from water filters to wearable technologies, leading to function efficiencies and sustainability benefits.
The Graphene Flagship is a €1 billion research project that brings together close to 170 industry and academic partners from across Europe to investigate the science and applications of graphene. The Graphene Flagship’s co-organisation of the Singapore-EU Graphene Flagship workshop with NUS I-FIM is an indication of Europe’s recognition of international innovators and collaborators working on 2D materials.
I-FIM, which is dedicated to the design and creation of new intelligent materials, and other research centres at the NUS such as the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials, are strong examples of the University’s commitment to building expertise and innovation in high-potential fields like graphene and 2D materials research.
Professor Jari Kinaret, Director of the Graphene Flagship, noted that European collaboration with Singapore is timelier than ever given the present stage of the Graphene Flagship project.
“The Graphene Flagship is currently celebrating its tenth year. We are consequently taking stock of the project and considering both how far it has come, as well as where the research and collaborations formed as a result of the project will go next,” said Professor Kinaret.
“One feature of the Graphene Flagship’s development that has become apparent is that the project originally had a greater focus on fundamental science. Now, we have a greater focus on applications.
“This means that strengthening connections and collaborations on 2D materials research between researchers in Europe and Singapore is now more important than ever, given the particular expertise present in Singapore and at NUS.”
Professor Kostya Novoselov FRS, Director of NUS I-FIM and Chair of the Graphene Flagship’s Strategic Advisory Council, commented that there is a strong commitment to innovation in Singapore that places this country – and NUS – at the forefront of exploring the properties and applications of novel materials.
“Ever since joining NUS in 2019, I have been continually impressed by the exceptional calibre of the university’s researchers and the passion for innovation present in the university as well as wider society. Singapore has a strong focus on research and exploration: it is an excellent place in which to do research,” said Professor Novoselov.
“I also strongly believe that in this particular environment, we are uniquely well-placed to accelerate research and produce new and great technologies. Singapore and NUS are pioneers both in creating novel materials and finding new and valuable ways of applying them.”