Until recently, human vaccine development has typically taken 10 to 15 years. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines like the Vaxzevria vaccine produced by the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca were developed and licensed within a single year. This remarkable achievement was made possible through: the sharing of pre-existing knowledge platform delivery technologies active, positive collaboration between researchers and regulators Rapid human vaccine development map The process map includes a rapid human vaccine development (RHVD) case study created using the COVID-19 vaccine as an exemplar. It will build on this experience and use the lessons learned to: help researchers boost…
Author: UKRI
The network’s first scanner to become operational was officially unveiled at St Thomas’ Hospital by Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting. Another machine will be installed in Scotland in the coming months. These next-generation scanners are more sensitive and faster than existing machines. They will also feed UK-wide data into the new National PET Imaging Platform (NPIP) to improve diagnosis and aid researchers’ understanding of diseases to support the development of new medicines. Pioneering research Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning is a non-invasive imaging technique that can detect diseases earlier, saving lives. These whole-body scanners…
Engineering biology has the potential to solve some of our biggest global challenges, from developing new vaccines and therapies, to plastic-free packaging and sustainable fuels for transport. Two new investments through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund that will help to solve these challenges and drive economic growth in the UK’s engineering biology sector were announced today by UKRI. Proof of concept A £3 million proof of concept programme aims to create new collaborations between academics and industry working in engineering biology. The programme will be delivered through the SynbiCITE Innovation and Knowledge Centre based at Imperial College London’s White City…
The UK’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 have been significantly boosted thanks to a £14.5 million investment by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and government partners. This latest funding marks phase two of the Transforming Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People programme (LUNZ). It supports five ambitious research projects that aim to revolutionise agricultural practices, land use change and soil health in the pursuit of a more sustainable future. The LUNZ research projects The five projects receiving funding are: The ‘to zero fifty’ greenhouse gas accounting living lab Led by Professor Julie Ingram at the…
This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the UK and Canadian food sectors, fostering innovation as both countries intensify efforts toward achieving net zero and creating more sustainable food supply chains. A key focus of the partnership between Innovate UK and PIC is driving innovation in the plant-based protein sector. Overcoming global challenges As the world’s population grows, integrating alternative protein sources alongside traditional agriculture is crucial in addressing global challenges like food security, sustainability and public health. Plant-based proteins provide a promising solution. As well as supporting products that offer a more sustainable and resilient approach, they typically have…
The Net Zero Living programme is a three-year £60 million programme that invests in helping places and businesses accelerate the transition to net zero. It has already awarded funding of over £30 million to 52 places all around the UK, helping local authorities and their partners develop and deliver ambitious projects to accelerate the net zero transition. The latest funding focuses on helping SMEs develop new products and services that take into account two important considerations in maintaining momentum towards net zero: the vital role of digitalisation and data in net zero projects the application of user-focused design principles to…
This includes a new centre that will focus on mitigating the effects of, and finding solutions to, the health impacts of the climate crisis. The other three investments follow on from the work of previous centres. They cover: research into peoples’ lives over many years to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities how digital technologies are changing work, and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments improving UK policymaking by integrating knowledge of history, behavioural science, economics, medical sciences and culture Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Executive Chair, Stian Westlake said: Our centres are at the…
We are asking our communities to tell us what they think about UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in our second annual stakeholder perceptions survey. UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser says: To achieve our ambition to create an outstanding R&I system for the UK that works for everyone, it is important for us to understand how our stakeholders perceive UKRI, its work, and its role within the system. Last year we ran the first UKRI stakeholder perceptions survey, which gave us a wealth of helpful insight. Thank you to everyone who contributed. We are using what you told us…
As Deputy Executive Chair, Glenn will oversee MRC strategic partnerships and initiatives, business intelligence, strategic evaluation and insight. The role acts as an ambassador for MRC’s mission to enable revolutionary discoveries and biomedical advancements to boost the economy and make a difference to lives across the UK and around the world. Exemplary leadership MRC Executive Chair Professor Patrick Chinnery said: Glenn has supported MRC for many years and has been exemplary in his leadership to deliver excellence through strategic partnerships, policy, regulatory reform, research, science and innovation. I look forward to working with Glenn and know that the MRC Senior…
The latest UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) programme winners have been announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Innovate UK. Each programme was set with its own unique challenge, with the overarching objective of reducing the maritime industry’s emissions. Innovative solutions Across all three programmes, 32 winners will collectively receive up to £8 million to test innovative solutions, from artificial intelligence maritime traffic planning and autonomous vessels to establishing green shipping routes between the Netherlands and Ireland. The funded projects Smart Shipping Accelerating Fund A programme focused on the decarbonisation of the maritime industry…