University of Bristol Projects Secure EPSRC Funding to Drive Innovations in Prosthetics and Smart Materials

University of Bristol Projects Secure EPSRC Funding to Drive Innovations in Prosthetics and Smart Materials

(IN BRIEF) Two University of Bristol projects have been awarded funding as part of a £80 million investment by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to advance transformative scientific discoveries. Dr. Ben Ward-Cherrier is developing a system to restore tactile feedback in prosthetic arms, potentially revolutionizing prosthetic technology for millions of amputees worldwide. Meanwhile, Dr. Matthew Hennessy is creating mathematical models to improve the design of polyelectrolyte gels, which have applications in drug delivery, robotics, and water purification. The EPSRC initiative supports 100 projects across the UK, aiming to drive innovation and address key societal challenges.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Two cutting-edge initiatives from the University of Bristol have been selected as part of a £80 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These projects are among 100 across the UK aimed at driving forward transformative discoveries in science and engineering.

Restoring Touch to Prosthetic Arms

Dr. Ben Ward-Cherrier, from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, is leading a project to develop tailored neuro-signals for prosthetic arms, addressing a critical limitation in current technology: the lack of tactile feedback. By creating a system that mimics the nervous system’s tactile signals, this work has the potential to revolutionize prosthetics for the two million upper-limb amputees worldwide, improving their quality of life.

“This project is an important step in decoding tactile signals and connecting tactile sensors to individual sensory neurons,” said Dr. Ward-Cherrier. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with leading clinicians and experts at the University of Aix-Marseille to push the boundaries of what’s possible in prosthetics and robotics.”

Advancing Smart Gel Technology

In the Faculty’s School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, Dr. Matthew Hennessy is spearheading a project to explore the physics of polyelectrolyte gels—materials that change size and shape in response to their environment. These gels have vast potential applications, from robotics and synthetic tissue to drug delivery and water purification.

Dr. Hennessy explained, “This research will provide new mathematical models that link the molecular-scale physics of these gels to their overall behavior, paving the way for optimized materials and designs validated against experimental data.”

National Impact and Global Potential

The EPSRC’s £80 million investment, supporting projects at 39 institutions across the UK, aims to bolster the nation’s leadership in innovative, curiosity-driven research addressing both current and future challenges.

Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance emphasized the importance of such initiatives:
“We are supporting 100 ambitious projects across the UK that could pave the way for transformative advancements, from better prosthetics to breakthroughs in energy storage and medical treatments.”

Professor Charlotte Deane, EPSRC’s Executive Chair, highlighted the foundational role of discovery science:
“Innovation begins with discovery. These projects will not only drive progress in sustainability, competitiveness, and quality of life but also enhance the UK’s resilience to future challenges.”

A Legacy of Innovation

By supporting talented researchers like Dr. Ward-Cherrier and Dr. Hennessy, this investment will reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in science and innovation. These Bristol-led projects exemplify the bold, forward-thinking research being fostered, promising significant impacts for industries and individuals worldwide.

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SOURCE: University of Bristol