BIS confirms funding for UKCMRI and Newton Scholarships

29 March 2010

Following the 2010 budget, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has announced funding for two schemes in support of world-class research:

UK Centre for Medical Research & Innovation: £250m investment for a new world-class medical research at St Pancras in London, bringing together research teams to tackle major medical challenges.  There is further information from BIS here.

The Newton Scholarships: £2.5m designed to target, recruit and retain in the UK 100 of the world’s best research students.  There is further information from BIS here.

Commenting on the two schemes, Dr Wendy Piatt, Director General of the Russell Group of the top 20 research-intensive universities said:

UK Centre for Medical Research & Innovation (UKCMRI)
“We warmly welcome the Government’s commitment of £250m to support this new London centre that will facilitate research and development by some of the UK’s leading research institutions into medicines and healthcare of tomorrow. 

“Now, more than ever, investment in our world-leading research base will be crucial to the UK’s future economic competitiveness.  In this time of financial constraint, when difficult choices must be made, this investment sends a clear signal that the UK recognises the indispensible contribution high quality collaborative research can make to the health and wealth of our nation and that of others’.”

The Newton Scholarships
“Although Russell Group universities are international destinations of choice for the most talented postgraduate students, these scholarships are a very welcome initiative in the face of what is becoming increasingly fierce global competition for the brightest minds.  These individuals will be key in maintaining and enhancing the UK’s international reputation in research and in delivering the highly skilled workforce our businesses need to fulfill their full economic potential.”

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