£113m government cash boost to support next generation of UK science leaders

A new multi-million pound fund is set to support the UK to become a global science superpower.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway has announced today that 97 UK businesses are set to secure part of a £113m funding pot to bring their innovations to market.

Delivered through UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) flagship Future Leaders Fellowships scheme, the initiative aims to support universities and businesses to develop their products and bring them to market.

Projects chosen for the initiative include four-legged robots to assist British farmers and new types of therapy to treat chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway commented: “We are putting science and innovation at the heart of our efforts to build back better from the pandemic, empowering our scientific leaders of tomorrow to drive forward game-changing research that could improve all our lives and boost the UK economy.

“Supported by £113m, the Future Leaders Fellowships will equip our most inventive scientists and researchers across the country with the tools to develop and bring their innovations to market quickly - all while helping to secure the UK’s status as a global science superpower.

UKRI chief executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, added: “I am delighted that UKRI is able to support the next generation of research and innovation leaders through our Future Leaders Fellowship programme.

“The new Fellows announced today will have the support and freedom they need to pursue their research and innovation ideas, delivering new knowledge and understanding and tackling some of the greatest challenges of our time.”