From drug research and ocean sediment to digital technology, the UK’s investment in infrastructure labs is to facilitate excellent national research and science
Investments from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are to support researchers and provide them with infrastructure labs and facilities with access to equipment for numerous projects.
Of the £103 million to expand and upgrade research infrastructure labs, including digital infrastructure, £79.3 million is being directed toward the £150 million announcement addressing the impacts of the UK association with the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.
The other £23.7 million is a part of the £370 million announcement to forge a better Britain through science and technology investment.
UKRI International Champion, Professor Christopher Smith, said: “This support will ensure the UK is an attractive place for scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs to live, work and innovate.”
What are the infrastructure labs receiving funding?
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) at the University of Cambridge is to receive funding for new equipment for research into human diseases, aiming to design drugs to counter these conditions.
Another infrastructure lab receiving funding is the National Oceanography Centre of Southampton, which aims to develop a new sediment core scanner for sea research as an improved research facility able to house these engineering designs.
Finally, the UK Digital Heritage Centre at the University of Liverpool is to be funded for a facility to preserve and protect cultural heritage through artificial intelligence, Blockchain and the Metaverse.
“The engine room for growth in the UK economy”
Science and Technology Secretary Chloe Smith said: “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.
“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.”
Professor Christopher Smith, 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.”
