The Government has shared a raft of new announcements to drive innovation in science, to mark the one year anniversary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology – and the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) encourages the Government to build on this momentum and to deliver a comprehensive and holistic research and innovation policy.

£100 million has been awarded to biotech projects across the UK to help pioneer new technologies that will help prepare for pandemics, innovate farming, and protect against floods.

The cash will be given to six new ‘Engineering Biology Mission Hubs’ and 22 ‘Mission Award’ projects across the country, that will look to build on Engineering Biology’s enormous potential to address global challenges, drive economic growth, and increase national resilience.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the NCUB, said: “The Government has announced several initiatives to mark the first anniversary of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The creation of a dedicated department for science and innovation shows that the Government has rightly acknowledged that R&D is a key driver of growth. This will be vital if we are to meet the goal of becoming a ‘Science and Technology Superpower’.

“However, to overcome long-term stagnation and foster growth, the UK must take a step forward, and further prioritise research and innovation. It is imperative that the Government builds a focused, cross-departmental approach to deliver a comprehensive and holistic research and innovation policy. Only then will it meet its own goal of becoming a true ‘Science and Technology Superpower’.”

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