The new centre is funded in part by a 1.3 million pounds Sterling investment by the Department for Employment & Learning and the Office of Science & Innovation through the UK Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) 2006-08.

"We intend to be recognised as one of the world centres of excellence for investigating nanoparticle toxicology," commented Professor Howard, of the University of Ulster. "There will be a lot more work to do in the coming years because every single product that is developed containing free nanoparticles will have to undergo a toxicological safety assessment. With funding procured within the last few months the new Centre will have five highly qualified research scientists working full time in this area."

"The University of Ulster should prove to be an important force in accelerating breakthroughs in nanoscience—the development of new nano-enabled technologies. We look forward to working with the centre for many years to come," commented Rob Fastenau, senior vice president of FEI's NanoResearch and Industry and NanoBiology market divisions and senior executive for FEI in Europe.

The new centre will also support academic research from other faculties within the university and beyond, including industrial R&D for the university's industrial partners within the region.