Research and innovation infrastructure in the UK is to receive a £50 million upgrade, furthering cementing the UK’s status as a science superpower. The projects include a boost to the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope network, carbon capture technologies, a state-of-the-art airborne research laboratory and a £17 million investment in digital research infrastructure.
The funding, which is supporting more than a dozen infrastructure projects and scoping studies, follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of a new ministerial council and Office for Science and Technology Strategy. Both will provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology as the tools to tackle great societal challenges, level up across the country and boost prosperity around the world.
Central Devon MP Mel Stride said:
“This additional funding is sending a clear message that research and innovation will play a big part in our bounce back from the pandemic. Importantly, it includes projects that will improve our preparedness for future pandemics and help us tackle climate change, for example through carbon capture and storage.”
The £50 million of investment will be delivered through grant funding and is the first to be delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) Infrastructure Roadmap programme to bolster the UK’s research and innovation capabilities.