Regions are key to success

Close-up microscopeRegional economies will play a crucial role in the recovery and future economic success of Britain, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson told an audience in Manchester today.

Lord Mandelson delivered the speech at the Core Technology Facility at Manchester University, home to several successful university spin outs including nanotechnology company Nanoco. He said:

”Government is acting to ensure that growth is spread across the UK so that every part of Britain shares in the recovery.

“Britain’s regional economies, like the economy as a whole, are utterly dependent on sound infrastructure. This is a vital enabler of our economic recovery and future growth – and regenerating our infrastructure as a growth plan in its own right.”

Read more about Lord Mandelson’s visit to Manchester University here.

Minister for Regional Economic Development, Rosie Winterton, also announced a £90m venture capital and loan fund to boost businesses in Yorkshire and Humber.

Ground breaking industrial biotech

cpi event

Teesside will lead the way in the growing industrial biotechnology sector with a Government investment of £12 million to expand a demonstrator facility in the region.

Business Minister Ian Lucas led a ground breaking ceremony for the expanded facility during a visit to Wilton, Teesside. The facility will help develop new and more sustainable advanced manufacturing and process technologies.

The market potential for the sector is expected to increase to £12 billion in the UK alone by 2025.

Mr Lucas also visited the Printable Electronics Technology Centre (PETEC), which has received £12 million in Government funding for expansion.

Funding for both projects has come from the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF). Read more about the projects and the SIF here.

Starting a national conversation about good science

Scientist with test tubePublished today, the Science and Trust Expert Group Report – Starting a National Conversation about Good Science, calls for a new attitude to trust in the UK, and an acceptance that healthy but informed scepticism is preferable to a society where people blindly and unquestionably trust sciences and scientists.

Read the full report and supporting documents

New arrangements for STFC

18343_043.nefScience Minister Lord Drayson’s statement on the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is available here.

For more information, see the BIS press notice on new arrangements for the STFC here.

Science for Careers Expert Group Report launches

Imperial College laboratory

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) today welcome the publication of the report from the Science for Careers Expert Group.

Science and Innovation Minister Lord Drayson said:
“Young people have a natural sense of wonder about the world. We must tap into it so today’s students and pupils are inspired to blaze a trail in science careers.

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