UK Government Announces £103 Million Funding for Upgrading Science and Research Facilities
London, 13 May 2023 – The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation, along with Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith, have unveiled a substantial £103 million investment to upgrade science and research facilities across the UK. The funding aims to enhance the country’s already outstanding research infrastructure and support groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
This significant funding boost will ensure that the UK’s top scientists and researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge equipment. By providing the necessary resources, the government aims to facilitate world-class scientific breakthroughs that can improve lives, boost the economy, and create jobs nationwide.
The funding will be distributed to various institutions throughout the UK, including Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Leicester, Bristol, Hull, Nottingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Belfast, Warwick, and Southampton. These institutions will utilize the investment to either acquire new advanced equipment or upgrade their existing facilities.
The government’s commitment to the scientific community and its vision for the UK’s Science and Technology Framework underpin this funding initiative. By investing in research infrastructure, the government aims to attract top talent, encourage innovation, and drive scientific advancements that can benefit society and position the UK as a global leader in research and innovation.
The £103 million funding includes £79.3 million specifically allocated to address the impact of the delay in the UK’s association with the EU’s Horizon Europe program. An additional £23.7 million is part of the £370 million investment in science and technology to further support research and innovation in the country.
During a visit to the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith observed the transformative potential of the funding. The laboratory, renowned for its groundbreaking work in electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), will utilize the investment to enhance its capabilities. This will enable scientists to study the intricate atomic structures of proteins, leading to a deeper understanding of diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The findings could pave the way for improved treatments and better disease prevention strategies, potentially saving countless lives.
The funding extends beyond the field of biomedical sciences. It encompasses support for digital research infrastructure, upgrades to facilities and equipment in various disciplines, and the strengthening of core engineering and physical sciences capabilities. Additionally, investments have been made to maintain cutting-edge research in environmental science and improve the overall infrastructure of scientific institutions.
This substantial funding allocation reaffirms the government’s unwavering support for research and innovation. By providing scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and modernized infrastructure, the UK is fostering an environment conducive to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
Note to editors: The funding breakdown includes £8.7 million for digital research infrastructure, £61.7 million for facilities and equipment, £16.7 million for boosting core equipment in engineering and physical sciences, and £32.7 million for estates improvements. The investments span various disciplines and institutions across the UK, cementing the country’s position as a global hub for research and innovation.