RCUK welcomes announcement of government’s investment plans for capital and infrastructure

Research Councils UK (RCUK) today, 27th June 2013, welcomes the further commitment that the government has given to science and research through the announcement by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, of the government’s capital and infrastructure investments from 2015.

As well as the increase in the capital budget for science and research, which rises from £0.6bn in 2012/13 to £1.1bn in 2015/16 and thereafter with inflation until 2020/21, Investing in Britain’s Future also sets out areas of research, aligned to the Eight Great Technologies, for potential commitment.

This investment will allow UK science and research to stay at the cutting edge of developments and ensure that the UK is a major competitor in the global race. Investment in science and research capital and infrastructure projects will be made on the basis of scientific excellence so there are no further details to announce at the current time. Additionally, Investing in Britain’s Future also announces the development and upgrading of facilities at Harwell. The Research Councils will work closely with BIS and partners in putting together the investment plans in these areas, announcing further details as they become available.

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Further information

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

Notes to editors

1. Investing in Britain’s Future is available to download at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/investing-in-britains-future

2. 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).