Merck, University of Leeds to Collaborate on Liquid Crystal Technologies

Science and technology company Merck KGaA has signed a five-year research collaboration agreement with the University of Leeds to develop new digital optical applications with liquid crystals.

”The University of Leeds is an ideal partner for us because the research teams have broad expertise and have the means to build prototypes of the future devices,” said Mark Verrall, head of R&D for display materials at Merck. “As for our role, we’ll concentrate on developing advanced liquid crystal materials specially designed for these new optical applications beyond displays.”

Merck will invest £1 million ($1.1 million) in the collaboration.

“This exciting research collaboration reflects our determination to develop real-world solutions from science and engineering research,” said Sir Alan Langlands, vice-chancellor of the University of Leeds. “Our university has a strong track record of world-leading research in liquid crystals. Its academics have a growing reputation for inventing applications for liquid crystals way beyond the technology familiar to most of us through flat screen monitors.”

Merck is a developer of technologies for the healthcare, life science and performance materials fields.