The government is to make £27m available to Medical Research Institutes across the UK which will fund new supercomputers and microscopes for the study of diseases.

The hope is that researchers at 43 medical research institutes will be able to better detect and model disease in more detail, helping the UK respond to COVID-19 and boosting resilience for future pandemics.

The multi–million-pound investment in part of a £200m boost to UK labs announces today which will also provide researchers with facilities to test technologies to cut carbon emissions, autonomous marine robotics, and airborne sensors in London to monitor greenhouse gas emissions.

Other facilities to receive financial backing includes a unique ‘blast diagnostics’ laboratory at the University of Sheffield, which will test the UK’s ability to respond to the use of explosives in terrorist attacks.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: “The response from UK scientists and researchers to coronavirus has been nothing short of phenomenal. We need to match this excellence by ensuring scientific facilities are truly world class, so scientists can continue carrying out life-changing research for years to come as we build back better from the pandemic.”

The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Kemi Badenoch, added: “This investment in state of the art science and research facilities will help the UK’s world-leading scientists deliver life-changing research, from tackling infectious diseases and COVID-19, to delivering Net Zero.

“It’s vital we continue to innovate to drive our economic recovery and level up the country.”

COVID-19