EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing around £500 million a year in a broad range of subjects – from mathematics to materials science, and from information technology to structural engineering. It operates to meet the needs of industry and society by working in partnership with universities to invest in people and scientific discovery and innovation. The knowledge and expertise gained maintains a technological leading edge, builds a strong economy and improves people’s quality of life.
Its work is complementary to other research investors including other research councils, government agencies, industry and the European Union. It actively engages in and encourages partnerships and collaborations across disciplines and boundaries. It also actively promotes public engagement in science, engineering and technology.
VinylSUM was funded by the EPSRC for three years, commencing April 2004, under the EPSRC initiative to develop UK activities in new approaches to the ‘sustainable use of materials’.