£1 billion investment in UK science and research announced

The newly announced projects double the number of successful bids from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (UK RPIF). When completed, the fund will deliver more than £1 bn of new funding to research.

The UK RPIF was set up in May 2012 to allocate funding from Government, industry and charities. The Higher Education Funding Council for England managed fund supports bids covering the UK.

The 14 winning bids will receive up £220 million of public funding while leveraging more than £600 million worth of private support. There is to be another, third, round of funding bids, where a remaining £80 million of public investment will be distributed.

"It is fantastic that our top businesses and top charities are queuing up to collaborate with our world-class universities. They want to work together to deliver innovation, commercialisation and growth, which will help make sure the UK competes and thrives in the global race," said David Willetts.

“The winning projects will tackle the key issues we face – like fighting disease, ensuring energy efficiency and improving infrastructure – for the benefit of all."

The projects announced thus far cover a number of scientific and research sectors, including life sciences, energy efficiency, mobile communications and advanced manufacturing.

Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), said: "The demand for funding from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund demonstrates the power of universities in promoting economic growth through research and knowledge exchange.

"The support from international companies and world-leading charities – all making hard-headed investments – is a tribute to the excellence of scientific and research staff in our universities."