Things you need to know about NGI on Xi's UK itinerary

The National Graphene Institute in Manchester. [Photo/official website of the University of Manchester]

The National Graphene Institute (NGI) is a British research center at the University of Manchester that studies graphene.

The 61 million pound （$93.8 million）institute is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the European Regional Development Fund. It is a place for industry partners and university academics to work side by side on emerging graphene applications.

Graphene, the world's first 2D material, has captured the attention of scientists, researchers and industry worldwide since its isolation in 2004 for its great research and applicative value.

The center will be showcasing its groundbreaking research to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, and in particular the work carried out in partnership with the BGT Materials, formerly known as Bluestone Global Tech, a major Chinese manufacturer of graphene.

BGT invested 5 million pounds ($7.7 million) in 2013 to open a R&D center at the institute to develop new graphene related products, the first strategic partnership of the NGI.

National Graphene Institute to demonstrate products to President Xi

BGT Materials will show the President its latest products, which include one light-emitting diode product, and one printing ink product where graphene is used as the ink.

"We want to show to the President the process of our collaboration with industry partners and BGT is a very good example. We have worked closely together over the past two years to produce some amazing results," said James Baker, business director of the National Graphene Institute. [Full story]