A PROJECT to develop lightweight heat-resistant materials for the car and aviation sectors has received a 2.2m injection from the Government, writes Maggie Hartford.

The Oxford-based scheme was one of four Faraday Partnerships aimed at boosting the UK's industrial success announced by Science Minister Lord Sainsbury.

He said: "This is a vital investment in the future of UK manufacturing and industry.

"Our firms need to take advantage of our world-class science base to remain competitive.

"Faraday Partnerships play a vital role in helping firms to work with our best researchers and produce innovative new products and processes.

"They are an important part in ensuring the UK's industrial success."

The partners are Oxford, Oxford Brookes and Cranfield universities, the Motor Industries Association, the Oxford Trust, and the Heart of England Business Link.

Leading-edge researchers at the three universities receive 1m in grants over four years to find and develop lightweight heat-resistant materials.

The partnership receives up to 400,000 a year to create an industrially focused management team.

It will employ "technology translators" people who act as a link between research and business to ensure that good ideas are developed and that researchers understand the potential of their work for industry. The money can also be used for training, problem-solving and creating spin-off companies.

The Government hopes to develop a cluster of materials manufacturing companies in the Thames Valley and South Midlands.