We’re helping to shape a major new facility to support advanced microfabrication activities across North East England’s universities and high-tech industries.
The Great Northeast Nanofab (GNN) will facilitate the design and development of high-performance nano-devices used in modern technology.
The centre will provide an ultra-clean environment where microscopic devices can be designed, made and tested.
These technologies play a vital role in everyday life, from medical devices and sensors to electric vehicles and communications systems.
It will also support the development of future talent.
Students and early career researchers will gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing, helping them build the skills needed by industry.
Based at Newcastle University and opening in January 2027, the centre will harness expertise from Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside universities alongside high-tech companies to help turn ideas into products.
Our contribution focuses on advanced materials and analysis techniques that are essential to building these devices.
We have researchers who specialise in material deposition, a key step in building the tiny components used in advanced devices.
In simple terms, this involves carefully adding thin layers of materials to create functional structures.
We also offer advanced surface characterisation which allows researchers to study materials in detail and understand how they behave in real conditions.
A key piece of equipment is our scanning microwave impedance microscope, which can measure electrical, magnetic and dielectric properties at a very small scale while also mapping surface structure.
Around 20 researchers from our departments of Engineering, Physics and Chemistry are expected to contribute expertise in areas such as quantum technologies, clean energy and biomedical applications.
Durham University is delighted to support the Great Northeast Nanofab, which will be transformative for research in quantum materials and devices, energy harvesting and storage, biomedical applications, and clean technologies. We are proud to contribute our distinctive strengths in advanced characterisation and materials deposition, enabling new discoveries and accelerating collaboration across the North East to deliver impactful science and innovation.
/filters:quality(70)/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/central-news-and-events-images/83431-1920X290.jpg)