The UK government has confirmed £55 billion in long-term R&D funding to accelerate the next generation of scientific and technological breakthroughs.

Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the investment secures funding for major research agencies such as UKRI, ARIA and the Met Office, as part of the government’s wider £86bn public R&D commitment.

The allocations will help scale discoveries that improve everyday life, from airport security technology to cancer treatments, while unlocking billions more in private investment.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the funding will back “the best and brightest researchers and innovators”.