University in £3m research agreement

CHINESE conglomerate Sinochem has signed a £3m research deal with a Yorkshire university.

The money will be used to fund six new research projects at the University of Leeds.

Sinochem’s interests cover a wide range of sectors including energy, agriculture, property, chemicals and financial services.

Professor Mike Wilson, dean of the faculty of mathematics and physical sciences, where five of the research projects will be based, said: “This is a significant commitment to collaborative research and personnel training in science and technology from a state-backed Chinese company to a British higher education institution.

“We are honoured that science at Leeds is held in such high regard.”

The research projects will be in the fields of colour science, semiconductor research, polymer development and plant science.

Sinochem vice-president professor Li Bin said: “I believe that through the concerted efforts of both Sinochem and Leeds, we will be able to achieve our objectives of the development of advanced, commercialisable technologies. 

“At the same time, through the Sinochem – Leeds collaboration platform, we will also be able to establish a team of leading scientists as well as a team of strong researchers.”