Research Councils UK (RCUK) are delighted to welcome the new £200 million pound capital investment in science announced today (29 November) by the Chancellor George Osborne during his Autumn Statement.
Investment in the research base is essential to stimulating growth and this new funding acknowledges how vital research is to the economic prosperity and societal wellbeing of the UK.
RCUK is committed to supporting excellent research across a wide range of disciplines and providing access to a full range of world-class research facilities. A number of Research Council projects are among those to receive funding from this new capital investment, including:
£80 million for the further development of research facilities at the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Institute for Animal Health at Pirbright.
£13 million for ARCHER Phase 2, the next generation UK high performance computer.
RCUK also welcomes the news of a £62 million investment for upgrading science laboratories and equipment.
The Research Councils continue to work together on the Large Facilities Funding Model to ensure that the optimal amount of funding for the UK’s world-class facilities is maintained.
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Further information
Contact:
Jane Wakefield
RCUK Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592
Notes to editors
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils who annually invest around £3 billion in research. We support excellent research, as judged by peer review, that has an impact on the growth, prosperity and wellbeing of the UK. To maintain the UK’s global research position we offer a diverse range of funding opportunities, foster international collaborations and provide access to the best facilities and infrastructure around the world. We also support the training and career development of researchers and work with them to inspire young people and engage the wider public with research. To maximise the impact of research on economic growth and societal wellbeing we work in partnership with other research funders including the Technology Strategy Board, the UK Higher Education Funding Councils, business, government, and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC).