Bid for composites funding successful

27th Sept 2007

New Zealand is once again pushing the boundaries of knowledge development and innovation as a group of organisations has won funding for a four year research programme into advanced composite structures.

The research programme aims to expand the knowledge base and expertise related to innovative composite structures, and in particular their manufacture and performance.

The research will be managed and implemented by a steering committee with strong industry leadership. Members of the steering committee are: The Centre for Advanced Composite Materials at The University of Auckland, Industrial Research Limited, and industry partners High Modulus, ANZES Design Engineering and the Defence Technology Agency. The primary funder is the NZ Government’s Foundation for Research, Science and Technology's Research for Industry scheme, which is providing nearly NZD $3 million over the next four years.

An important additional outcome of the research will be the creation of a composites research cluster, which aims to assist with the export growth of New Zealand’s manufacturing industry, and further strengthen its reputation and position in the international arena.