Science minister marks £80 million funding for world-leading science led by Exeter

Science Minister Lord Vallance has paid a special visit to the University of Exeter to mark around £80 million of new investment in world-leading research.

Lord Vallance met with key researchers from the University, who are leading pioneering collaborations in nanotechnology, human genomics, critical minerals and climate change.

The visit centred on the unveiling of the state-of-the-art MetaHub, hosted at the University of Exeter – a pioneering new facility to develop new forms of raw materials on the microscopic scale that is supported by £19.6 million in public and private backing.

The MetaHub is focused on ‘metamaterials’ – new types of raw materials, designed at the molecular level that could  underpin new products ranging from batteries and sensors, to foodstuffs and agriculture.

Researchers at Exeter are working on novel materials that could be used to make the next generation of computer components, diagnostic tools for healthcare, radio transmitters and even soft drinks.

Their work is being backed by businesses ranging from QinetiQ and Leonardo, to PepsiCo.

£9.75 million comes from UK Research and Innovation’s ESPRC, with a further £4.5 million in private investment crowded in – showing the value of cutting-edge research as a driver of investment into all corners of the country, in support of the Plan for Change.

Speaking at the University of Exeter, Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

“The work happening here in Exeter is a prime example of how cutting-edge research can attract private investment and drive economic growth, in every corner of the UK, which will be critical to our economic mission at the core of the Plan for Change. 

“Our backing for the MetaHub is an investment, for both today and for tomorrow. We are securing the UK’s leadership in the high-potential field of metamaterials, a new class of materials specially engineered to have new and useful properties. This work is paving the way for future products and innovations that will deliver jobs and growth, in the years ahead.” 

During the visit to the University of Exeter, Lord Vallance also met a range of world-leading researchers who are at the forefront of major new initiatives and collaborations, which together with MetaHub represent £80m of new public and private sector investment into Cornwall and Devon.

These included:

• World-leading research into the global climate crisis, including Professor Tim Lenton’s crucial Tipping Points research, and the Global Carbon Budget led by Professor Pierre Friedlingstein 
• The crucial role the Camborne School of Mines and the University of Exeter plays in Critical Minerals research, including the Critical Minerals Green Economies Centre, with Professor Frances Wall.
• The pivotal role the University of Exeter plays in genomics research, including the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative, the Animal Free Research UK Centre of Excellence, and work at the nexus of climate and health covering recent awards including Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions.

Speaking after the event, University of Exeter Deputy Vice-Chancellor Stuart Brocklehurst said: “Our world leading research across many of the hottest areas of science will both help address profound global challenges and create opportunity across the South West.

“It’s been great to welcome Lord Vallance to the University of Exeter to celebrate the work of our researchers and the investment which their work is attracting from public and private sources alike.”