In a statement, the university said the funding will support research on smart processing of value-added steels, steel packaging and carbon-positive buildings made from steel. 

"The funding delivered to (the institute) through the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales represents the early steps in transforming ideas into reality, creating a 21st century steel and metals industry and future-proofing steel in Wales and the U.K.," said Brian Edy, the institute’s director. 

"Bringing new products and processes to industry are important but we also need to look at what can be done to reduce societal waste, whilst improving the health and well-being of our regions."

The institute, which opened earlier this year, arises from a strategic partnership between Tata Steel and the university, which is providing research and development services to Tata under a long-term collaboration agreement. 

As part of the agreement, Tata donated research equipment to the university and is providing 45 industry research and development professionals to work alongside 20 new university research staff. Tata also is providing annual funding to the institute.