£300m investment to support growth and jobs in UK

Cutting-edge science projects to drive innovation, economic growth and create jobs in the UK’s high performing science sector will benefit from a £300m (~€359m) boost as part of the government’s long term economic plan, Science Minister David Willetts has announced.

Speaking ahead of his address at Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK, Willetts said: “Investment in science is a crucial part of this government’s long term economic plan. It’s about investing in our future, helping grow new industries and create more jobs, which will mean more financial security for people across the country.”

Speaking to an audience of scientists, apprentices and schoolchildren, the minister confirmed £165m for the European Spallation Source (ESS) and £100m to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). £25m also will go to UK’s participation in the M3 Space Mission (PLATO).

Adding his thoughts, Sir Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society said: “International collaboration is central to scientific progress and is essential if we are to deliver projects on the scale of the SKA, the ESS and PLATO. Many scientific projects can only be pursued through such large-scale collaboration and it is great that the government has decided that the UK will play its full part.

“Investment in these projects is also an investment in British innovation and in the creation of sustainable economic growth built on our world leading science.”

The UK is a world leader in satellite technology and the space sector supports 95,000 full time jobs, generating £9.1bn for the economy each year. This investment will secure key roles for British firms and maintain UK international competitiveness.