Welsh Counsel General and Brexit minister Jeremy Miles has announced European Union funding of more than £1 million to advance research into magnetic and electromagnetic materials in Wales.

This investment will support Cardiff University’s Magnetic Materials and Applications (MAGMA) project, enabling it to expand its R&D programmes in areas including electric vehicles, advanced materials and energy innovation.

Magnetic alloys are a vital component of electronic motors, generators and sensors.

The university will upgrade its laboratories and develop up-to-the-minute studies into the use of magnetic materials for future low-carbon energy and transport systems.

Global recognition is expected to yield a further £3.6 million of research income over the next four years.

This will lead to the development of a European centre of excellence in Cardiff, focusing on the development of magnetic materials for use in industry.

Rudolf Allemann, head of the College of Physical Sciences and Engineering (www.cardiff.ac.uk), said: “MAGMA’s research programme plays a crucial role in driving next-generation technologies for a greener and cleaner planet.

“The necessary shift from fossil fuels towards a more sustainable electrically dominated society with substantial reductions in emissions can’t happen without the continued development of key materials.”