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The Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF)

The Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) is a scheme aimed at refurbishing the UK university science estate, providing new science equipment and laboratories and communications networks. SRIF is a joint initiative between the Office of Science and Innovation (OSI) and the Department for Education and Skills with additional contributions made by the Scottish Funding Councils in Scotland, the Higher Education Funding Council in Wales and Department of Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. The scheme commenced in 2002, with funding having increased from £400m a year in 2002 - 2004 to £500m a year in 2004 - 2006, which has gone some way in addressing the historic backlog in university science investment. In 2004 government announced a continuation of this level of funding to 2008.

Additional funding for infrastructure improvements comes from charities, business sponsorship and research organisations.  Universities themselves are required to contribute 10% of the total cost of SRIF projects, but this amount is often exceeded.

Recent studies undertaken by OSI indicate that SRIF funding is achieving significant benefits such as the establishment of laboratories to a high standard enabling universities to carry out quality projects from various funding sources, and to compete globally. The refurbished laboratories and new equipment are also attracting world-class researchers and academics to the UK. For SRIF3, which runs from 2006 to 2008, there is a requirement on universities to make their SRIF - funded facilities and related expertise open to access by business.

In 2005 OSI commissioned a study to look at individual projects carried out with SRIF funding.