Government Invests £125m in Next Generation of Scientists

Funding of £125m to support the training and development of 1,250 PhD students over the next five years was announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable during a visit to The Roslin Institute, (University of Edinburgh) at the beginning of October. Grants provided through the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) will train students at 12 of the UK’s leading universities and Institutes in world-class bioscience, building on the nations existing strengths in agriculture, food, industrial biotechnology,  bioenergy and health.

"The UK punches far beyond its weight in science and innovation globally, which is a credit to our talented scientists and first-class universities,” Business Secretary Vince Cable said. "This new funding will safeguard Britain's status as a world leader in life sciences and agricultural technology.

"Major challenges need to be met to sustain growth and maintain economies: the growing demand for food; the need to transform to more economically and environmentally sustainable industries and energy – and maintaining health throughout life, reducing pressure on healthcare services.

Dr Celia Caulcott, BBSRC Executive Director, Innovation and Skills said: "Bioscience is having a massive impact on many aspects of our lives. BBSRC is paving the way for an explosion in new economic sectors and bioscience that will change the way we live our lives in the 21st century. To achieve this we need to maintain our leading position in global bioscience by ensuring that the next generation of scientists have the best training and skills."

Amongst those involved in collaborative projects are staff and scientists at the STFC’s Central Laser Facility and ISIS Neutron Source, the Diamond Light Source and the Research Complex all located on the Rutherford Appleton (RAL) site at Harwell, who will be providing expert assistance for students on the University of Oxford’s Doctoral Training Programme.

The University of Nottingham, working with principal partner Rothamsted Research Station and five other UK and international research communities, is offering an integrated training programme of experimental, analytical, computational, and professional and business skills, which includes a three-month industry or policy placement.