UCL welcomes Government's long-term strategy for science

Professor Grant said: "The Government's announcement today will be widely welcomed by the scientific community, and the research-intensive universities. The strategy recognises that if we are to strenghten our position on the world stage when it comes to scientific innovation and research, then we need to be laying down long-term investment in people and facilities.

"Institutions such as UCL are already globally competitive in their science research activity, and competing to attract high-quality scientists and students from around the world. However, money is a big problem when it comes to competing on a consistent basis with the leading institutions, especially those in the US. Today's announcement is a welcome step towards redressing that imbalance."

Notes for Editors

1. For the second time running, UCL last year was given the UK's largest allocation of capital research funding through the Government's Science Research Investment Fund (SRIF) than any other university. UCL's allocation, now increased to £68 million, is based on the excellence and volume of its research across all disciplines.

2. The Treasury set out the Government's long-term strategy for science at a breakfast seminar today with leading figures in the scientific community.

3. UCL is currently investing heavily in a capital programme supporting groundbreaking health, social and technological research. This programme includes:

· the Centre for Auditory Research;
· the Centre for Molecular & Cellular Neuroscience;
· the Centre for Micro Biochemical Engineeering;
· the London Centre for Nanotechnology (jointly with Imperial College).

4. For further information contact Dominique Fourniol in the UCL media relations office on 0207 679 9728.