Cash for UK science
14 Mar 2001
Around £1billion of government funding is to be distributed to universities in the UK, in an ongoing attempt to renew the science infrastructure.
The funding, which represents a partnership with the Wellcome Trust, will be distributed among around 100 centres of higher education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The investment is part of the government's plan to persuade top scientists and engineering researchers to work in the UK. This will ensure that the science base continues to 'research improvements in healthcare through the development of new drugs and treatments, develop key new technologies to boost our economy and help protect the environment,' according to trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers.
The precise details of the projects which will receive the extra funding have not yet been decided, but the size of the grants varies from £46.4million to £100,000. 'A world-class investment requires world-class equipment and buildings,' comments education secretary David Blunkett.
The Chemical Industries Association has welcomed the government's research investment strategy. As well as the extra investment, the association is particularly happy with the 'Opportunity for all in a world of change' White Paper.
'I am glad that the government has announced the establishment of top-class university innovation centres and new technology institutes in regions,' comments Anil Kumar, CIA director for people, knowledge and communications.
'The formation of the £9million Centre for Organic Materials at Manchester University is a good example of how the government can encourage industry-university partnerships to develop win-win scenarios.'
