The UK’s ongoing mission to be a research superpower is set for a boost after the government announced more than £100m of investment to expand and upgrade infrastructure.
The funding is coming from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) which says its support will ensure the country’s researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge equipment.
Some of the places that will get the funding include:
- The Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology which will benefit from new equipment to enable improved understanding of human diseases and how powerful drugs can be designed to work against them;
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust which will benefit from new DNA sequencing capabilities;
- The University of Nottingham which will benefit from new magnetoencephalography technology;
- King’s College London which will benefit from a top-of-the-range pre-clinical radiotherapy platform;
- The University of Glasgow which will benefit from modernised electron microscopy capabilities.
“Our world-class science and technology sectors are the engine room for growth in the UK economy, and the basis for scientific and technological advancements that will improve everyone’s lives,” science and technology secretary, Chloe Smith, said.
“These sectors need continued, concerted and concentrated backing from the government and I am determined to provide it during my time as Science and Technology Secretary, through funding such as this, which will ensure our world class labs have the infrastructure and equipment to match their status.”
Just over £79m of the funding is coming as part of the £150m ringfenced to address the affects of the delay in UK association with the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, with the residual £23m coming from the £370m set aside to build a better Britain by investing in science and technology. The funding totals £103m.
Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI international champion, added: “This crucial support for UK research infrastructure is part of the package of support provided by government so that our research and innovation communities can carry on with their essential work notwithstanding the delay to association with Horizon Europe.
“The investments, made across the UK, will provide UK researchers with advanced equipment, facilities and technology, and help maintain the UK’s position as a leader in research and innovation. This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.”
