Big Scientific Research Budget
The Welsh scientific research industry has received a welcome boost this week, after their government pledged a £17m investment. The money has been earmarked to help attract up to 90 new research fellows to the country from all across Europe – helping establish Wales as a major force in scientific research.
A selection of Welsh universities, including Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth and Bangor, have all been offered the funding by the Welsh Government and the EU to strengthen their science departments. The money will accommodate three to five year postdoctoral research campaigns in innovation and technology development projects.
As part of their Horizon 2020 programme, the EU selected Wales ahead of a host of nations as the lucky recipient of the grant – demonstrating the organisation’s faith in the nations, research centres and scholars.
Professor Julie Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, enthused: “Securing this funding from COFUND against stiff competition from across Europe is a massive vote of confidence in Welsh scientific research. The Research Excellence Framework 2014 proved Wales is delivering truly world class research but we need more of it to deliver lasting economic and social benefits.”
It remains to be seen if additional funds will be pumped into the Welsh scientific research industry or exactly how the money will be spent. Developing new world class research facilities could be the next step towards ensuring that the brightest minds in the industry are lured to Wales.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said: “This is another important boost for research in Wales and will offer significant opportunities for us. It is further recognition of the world-leading research carried out by the nation’s academics.
“It will help us to attract more world-class academics to Wales as well as strengthening and encouraging further collaboration between the universities and industry.”
Bringing the top minds of the science world to these shores is always exciting, helping create a real hive of activity and developing all parts of the UK as driving forces behind scientific progression. With four of the top 25 universities in the world (according to the Times Higher Education supplement) the UK is firmly established for one of the world’s academic centres, providing support for the brightest minds.
Developing world class labs and research centres has helped the UK stay at the forefront of global scientific research, and these facilities are more important than ever.
If you are looking to develop new science laboratories or upgrade existing facilities, the InterFocus team can help you produce world class results. For more information about how InterFocus can help you and your team, please visit our homepage or call us now on 01223 894833.
