TSB, BBSRC and EPSRC welcome the creation of an Innovation and Knowledge Centre in Synthetic Biology

The Technology Strategy Board, BBSRC and EPSRC welcome today’s announcement by the Business Secretary, Vince Cable, of the creation of an Innovation and Knowledge Centre in Synthetic Biology.

Delivering a speech about Industrial Strategy, Dr Cable highlighted the role of emerging technologies such as synthetic biology in “supporting sustained economic growth in the UK” and announced that the Technology Strategy Board, along with research councils and other partners, will be establishing an Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Synthetic Biology.

The announcement follows a recommendation in the Synthetic Biology Roadmap for the UK, published in July, to create a network of multidisciplinary centres, “including a dedicated innovation and knowledge centre”.

Innovation and Knowledge Centres (IKCs) were established by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as centres of excellence with five years’ funding to accelerate and promote business exploitation of an emerging research and technology field. The Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Synthetic Biology, will be the seventh IKC.

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Further information

Contact:
Katie Clark
Press and Communications Manager
Tel: 01793 444592 or email: Katie Clark

Notes to editors

1. The Synthetic Biology Roadmap is available here

2. Information on EPSRC Innovation and knowledge centres is available here

3. 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 bodies, 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).