OREANDA-NEWS. On 19 June 2008 wUC RUSAL, the world’s largest aluminium and alumina producer, announced plans to invest more than USD 2 million to find the best new applications for aluminium and to develop innovative products. As part of this Global Technology and Innovation Research Project UC RUSAL and the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) are inviting leading universities and research centers from around the world to apply for the funding of innovative research projects.

Over the next three years, the Global Technology and Innovation Project will select the most ground breaking ideas and research projects, with the aim of expanding the use of aluminium. New applications will be developed where the unique features of the metal could bring environmental benefits, improve energy efficiency, optimize use of resources, encourage recycling, and create secure packaging and transportation methods. Up to 10 research projects will receive funding. The budget for each project will be determined on case by case basis depending on the timing and complexity of the proposal. Most of the new applications will come to the market in the next 3 to 7 years.

UC RUSAL, the IAI and independent expert, Professor Thomas Graedel from the Yale University, will act as the selection committee to choose up to three of the most promising projects to be granted funding in 2009.

Funding will be made to those projects that can deliver innovations and new ideas for the use of aluminium to develop commercially marketable products in transport. In 2009, building and construction will be the project topic and in 2010 the research focus will be packaging.

UC RUSAL and IAI are inviting leading universities and research centres in America, Asia, Australia, Europe and Russia to participate in the initiative. The deadline for the submission of research proposals is 30 September 2008. More detailed information on the criteria and application procedures are available on the corporate web sites of UC RUSAL at http://www.rusal.ru/en/gtip.aspx and IAI at http://www.world-aluminium.org/news/Latest+news