Boost for Welsh scientific research

Funding of more than £17 million has been announced to attract up to 90 new research fellows from across Europe to expand Welsh scientific research.

The funding – provided by an EU programme and the Welsh Government – will aim to attract new fellows to work with researchers from five universities including Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, Bangor as well as the University of South Wales.

Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said: “This is another important boost for research in Wales and will offer significant opportunities for us. It is further recognition of the world-leading research carried out by the nation’s academics.

“It will help us to attract more world-class academics to Wales as well as strengthening and encouraging further collaboration between the universities and industry.”

The new fellowships will allow researchers with three to five year postdoctoral research experience to work in Wales on innovation and technology development projects.

Beating competition from across Europe, the Government has secured £7 million for Welsh researchers from the Marie Sk?odowska-Curie Actions COFUND scheme which is part of the EU Horizon 2020 programme.

“Securing this funding from COFUND against stiff competition from across Europe is a massive vote of confidence in Welsh scientific research. The Research Excellence Framework 2014 proved Wales is delivering truly world class research but we need more of it to deliver lasting economic and social benefits,” said Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, Professor Julie Williams.