University of Tartu is the new partner of the Graphene Flagship

The Graphene Flagship announced that today one of the largest-ever European research initiatives is doubling in size. 66 new partners are being invited to join the consortium following the results of a €9 million competitive call. University of Tartu Institute of Physics was chosen to be the only partner for the Flagship in Baltic States. Scientists from the University of Tartu are the first from Baltic States to participate in the project cost of one billion euros.

The incoming 66 partners will add new capabilities to the scientific and technological scope of the flagship. Now the partnership includes more than 140 organisations from 23 countries. It is fully set to take ‘wonder material’ graphene and related layered materials from academic laboratories to everyday use.

Vice-President of the European Commission Neelie Kroes, responsible for the Digital Agenda, welcomed the extended partnership: "Europe is leading the graphene revolution. This ‘wonder material’ has the potential dramatically to improve our lives: it stimulates new medical technologies, such as artificial retinas, and more sustainable transport with light and ultra-efficient batteries. The more we can unlock the potential of graphene, the better!”

Graphene was made and tested in Europe, leading to the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester.

With the €1 billion Graphene Flagship, Europe will be able to turn cutting-edge scientific research into marketable products. This major initiative places Europe in the driving seat for the global race to develop graphene technologies.

Graphene Flagship is coordinated by Chalmers University of Technology, initiated and supported by the European Commission.

For further information: Harry Alles, Senior Research Fellow in Material Science, phone: (+372) 737 4658, e-post: Harry.Alles@ut.ee;
Jaan Aarik, Professor of Solid state technology, Member of Estonian Academy of Sciences, phone: (+372) 737 4674, e-mail: jaan.aarik@ut.ee.