Government announces £1.3bn boost for research and innovation

The government has announced a £1.3bn boost to attract and retain world-class talent in science and engineering.

Aimed at boosting the pipeline of talent to “build a Britain fit for the future”, business secretary Greg Clark launched a £900m UK Research and Innovation Future Leaders fellowship scheme, which will award at least 550 fellowships over the next three years.

“We are a nation of innovators, with some of the world’s greatest inventions created on British soil – from penicillin to the first computer program,” he said. “We want to retain our global reputation as a destination for world-class scientists and researchers, by providing opportunities to find and nurture the next Ada Lovelaces and Isaac Newtons.”

The fellowship scheme will provide up to seven years of funding for early-career innovators. It will also be open to businesses as well as universities.

As Brexit approaches, there are concerns that some talented foreign researchers will either be unable or unwilling to enter the UK.

“International collaboration has been key to many of the most significant discoveries and breakthroughs and I want the UK to remain the go-to destination for the best scientists and innovators,” Clark added. “We are investing in the rising stars of research and innovation to ensure the UK is where the products and technologies of tomorrow are developed.”

A further £350m will go to the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and Academy of Medical Sciences, increasing the number of fellowships available, while £50m will be allocated through the National Productivity Investment Fund for additional PhDs.

The National Physical Laboratory, the UK’s national measurement institute, also announced a unique programme of measurement fellowships.

“We’re re-writing the fellowship rule book by giving leading researchers the freedom to pursue research with longevity that goes beyond funding cycles,” said director of research J T Janssen.

“By doing this, and equipping them with world-class facilities, we will enable them to deliver research that offers real impact. This programme is helping to identify the leaders in research that will inject vital expertise into the UK’s economy and shape our world for the future.”