Multimillion £ Investment To Upgrade UK’s Scientific Infrastructure
Multimillion investment to upgrade the UK’s scientific infrastructure, comprising computers to track infectious diseases and a floating offshore wind testing lab are among the facilities to which that UK researchers will gain access.
Government are making efforts to ensure the UK is the “best place in the world for scientists and researchers to live and work” the investment will equip universities and research institutes with new state-of-the-art equipment.
It is hoped that this investment will drive forward exceptional research that will help the UK respond to major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and achieving net carbon zero emissions by 2050.
High Performing Microscopes, Airborne Sensors and Marine Robotics
The £213 million investment includes £27 million for researchers at 43 of the UK’s Medical Research Institutes, providing them with access and upgrades to equipment including ultra-high performing computers and microscopes. This will enable researchers to detect and model diseases in more detail than ever before, aiding the UK’s COVID-19 response and boosting resilience for any future pandemics, as well as other major diseases such as cancer and dementia.
The multi-million-pound investment will also provide researchers across the country with facilities to test innovative technologies to cut carbon emissions, such as a floating offshore wind turbine testing facility at the University of Plymouth, autonomous marine robotics trialled in Southampton to monitor the health of the southern oceans, as well as airborne sensors in London to monitor greenhouse gas emissions.
Other facilities to receive financial backing includes a unique ‘blast diagnostics’ laboratory at the University of Sheffield, this facility will test the UK’s ability to respond to the use of explosives in terrorist attacks.
Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: "From the world’s most detailed microscopes tracking disease to airborne drones monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, our investment will enhance the tools available to our most ambitious innovators across the country.
“By doing so, scientists and researchers will be able to drive forward extraordinary research that will enable the UK to respond to global challenges such as achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
