UK polymer innovation shines at R&D funding workshop

The Rubber and Plastics Research Association (RAPRA) is encouraging companies interested in receiving advice on funding for R&D projects to attend its upcoming ‘Meet the Funders’ workshop, after the first event showed a strong level of innovation and interest from UK polymer companies. 

Targeted at all commercial and academic organisations that are looking to develop and exploit innovative uses of polymers in products and applications, the next event, which will be held on 8th May in Grantham, Lincolnshire, will feature speakers and exhibitors from the Materials KTN, EU Life, the Science City Research Alliance (SCRA), the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), METRC and R&D Tax Credits.

“The Materials KTN were pleased to be able to support the ‘Meet the Funders’ workshop as it gave us an opportunity to showcase the different funding mechanisms that are available from the Technology Strategy Board and the EU to support innovation, research and development in UK companies,” said Dr Matthew Thornton of the Materials KTN after the first event, which was held in Coventry in early February.

“A full afternoon of one-to-one meetings highlighted a strong desire from the UK polymer industry to access financial support for innovation and a need for funding to support industry led research and development to help maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in this important industry sector,” he continued.

The upcoming event will consist of talks and presentations by speakers from the attending funding organisations, followed by opportunities for one-to-one discussions on what they offer, how to apply and individual requirements.

For more information on the forthcoming workshop and to register online, visit the RAPRA Limited website at www.rapralimited.org/events or contact Steve Shaw, RAPRA Executive Director, by emailing sshaw@rapralimited.org