N8 is a group of the eight most research-intensive universities in the North of England: Durham, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York.
N8 aims to maximise the impact of this research base by identifying and co-ordinating powerful research collaborations across the North of England. It encourages innovation of global significance.
To support the collaborations, N8 works with industry and builds teams of world class academics. The collaborations form a network of virtual centres of science and innovation excellence.
N8 has set up five Research Programmes in the following areas:
- Ageing and Health
- Energy
- Molecular Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Sustainable Water Use
The themes were chosen to build on existing research within the partnership which have the potential for economic and social benefit. These programmes have received funding of £6m from The Northern Way and aim to deliver £25m of research funding and 140 new collaborations with industry by December 2010.
N8 has exceeded expectations with current achievements standing at £22.6m of research funding and 165 new collaborations with industry, already higher the number total expected.