Microsystems is a broad spectrum of underpinning micro-engineering research aimed at developing novel miniaturised micro-structured devices.
This area encompasses a broad spectrum of underpinning micro-engineering research aimed at developing a diverse range of novel miniaturised micro-structured devices, including microfluidic, microelectromechanical and micro-fabricated devices. This research can be of a generic nature or focused on the development of a specific device targeted at a particular end use.
Microsystems can be key enabling technologies, with applications found in almost every industrial field.
Our aims for this research area are set out below.
Networking and collaboration
A well networked microsystems community which facilitates collaboration and knowledge sharing across the field and with other disciplines. We will work with the community to explore options for better networking and increased leadership, to exploit opportunities, identify new directions and ensure maximum research impact.
Research and applications work
A portfolio delivering a balance of underpinning research and applications-driven work. We will work with the community to enable fundamental microsystems research less driven by a specific application, with a particular focus on creative and ambitious research.
Support for early career researchers
A research field that attracts a healthy supply of early career researchers and enables and supports their careers. We will work with the community to facilitate development at the early career stage to ensure future capability and to develop the leaders of the future.
Research with impact
Research investments which demonstrate strong pathways to impact and deliver economic, societal and academic impact. Researchers are particularly encouraged to consider how their work may deliver increased impact through co-creation, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the diverse strands of the microsystems research field.
Microscale systems, sensors and devices, and machines workshop
On 9 May 2022, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) brought together members from across the microsystems research community for the Microscale Systems, Sensors and Devices, and Machines Workshop.
The workshop sought to:
- define the current state of the discipline’s research ecosystem
- identify future opportunities,
- develop a greater understanding of the support needed across the microsystems ecosystem to ensure the area delivers maximum impact
EPSRC is pleased to release the workshop report which contains of details the outcomes of the workshop and combines them with pre-existing EPSRC research. The final section of the report highlights potential future pathways and interventions that the community feels would be of benefit to supporting microsystems research.
The document is intended to capture the current perceptions of the community. EPSRC acknowledges that this is therefore just 1 document in an ongoing journey to understand the microsystems community as it continues to evolve and the landscape changes. Recipients of this report are encouraged to engage with EPSRC going forward when opportunities arise.
Read the microscale systems, sensors and devices, and machines workshop report.