Researchers developing connectivity technologies capable of the enormous speed, capacity and security needed to make the most of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), will receive a share of at least £15 million. For example, work on how new types of fibre optics could transmit data at far higher volumes than current tech allows. Future telecoms research The funding will support the three future communications research hubs to continue their cutting-edge research and development (R&D), as well as a unique UK-wide experimentation platform for future telecoms research. This includes: solving how next-generation telecoms technologies can deliver the infrastructure needed by…
Author: UKRI
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Further information The ten successful projects are as follows. QUDITS2 Partners include: Vector Photonics (lead) Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Phlux Technology University of Bristol Project QUDITS2 is developing a hardware demonstrator platform to showcase the viability of quantum communication systems using qudits, units that can store and process information beyond 0s and 1s. Following on from the successful Innovate UK funded QUDITS feasibility study, the consortium will develop a demonstrator using commercially available novel photonics technologies from the UK supply chain, able to operate at optical communications wavelengths. Packaging advancements for quantum networks (PAGNet) Partners include: Alter Technology Tuv Nord…
The projects form part of the Sustainable Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Programme (SMMIP), delivered in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care. SMMIP aims to transform the UK’s medicines manufacturing sector by driving innovation, adoption, investment and collaboration. The programme will focus on developing disruptive technologies to optimise production efficiency, minimise waste and reduce emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals. Collaboration for a sustainable future The SMMIP is funded as part of the wider 2024 Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth Investment Programme. It is a new joint government-industry programme to strengthen the UK’s global competitiveness…
In the study, primarily funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and published in Nature, the scientists say that discovering the mechanism will support ongoing clinical trials, and could lead to: the targeted use of aspirin to prevent the spread of susceptible types of cancer the development of more effective drugs to prevent cancer metastasis The scientists caution that, in some people, aspirin can have serious side effects. Clinical trials are underway to determine how to use it safely and effectively to prevent cancer spread, so people should consult their doctor before starting to take it. A reduction in the…
For the first time, genomic data for over 37,000 children and parents collected over multiple decades from across the UK is now available to researchers worldwide. The data release is led by: Wellcome Sanger Institute Children of the 90s (also known as ALSPAC) Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) Born in Bradford (BiB) The data release is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and Medical Research Council (MRC). Birth cohorts Previously, large DNA sequence datasets typically focused on children with rare conditions or adult population cohorts. This new data release is the first time the focus has been on…
The winter months bring challenges for all of us, be it keeping fit, staying warm or eating healthily. The long nights and cold weather can act as disincentives and conditions such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can make things even harder, but innovative research can help people tackle these barriers. SAD, often more apparent during winter, is a lived experience that affects a considerable number of people in the UK. People can experience: lowered moods feelings of anxiety isolation lack of energy changes in sleep and appetite This can lead to unhealthy physical and mental health conditions. While the exact…
The project was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) as part of its precision medicine initiative to ensure that the right drug is given to the right patient, at the right time. The study, published in the Lancet, has developed an innovative way of identifying the most effective glucose-lowering drugs for a person with type 2 diabetes. By predicting which drug will lead to the largest reduction in blood glucose levels, the easy-to-use tool could pave the way for better health for millions, at the push of a button. Careful management of blood glucose levels is essential for reducing…
The procedure involves a combination of a diagnostic test using a newly developed Medical Research Council-funded (MRC) molecular tracer, a PET scanning method and an endoscopic procedure, known as Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T). It has the potential to help many people living with primary aldosteronism. Chris Miller, a patient who recently underwent Triple T said: After the procedure, I haven’t had any issues with blood pressure, I’m cured. I thought I could be battling with high blood pressure for the rest of my life and now it’s not a problem. Primary aldosteronism High blood pressure affects between a quarter…
Regulation has the power to accelerate innovation by providing confidence to innovators, certainty for investors and a boost to consumer confidence. Regulations can, however, struggle to keep pace with the speed of technological advances, which can discourage investment and innovation. By creating networks that develop new tools, data sets and approaches using regulatory science, it’s hoped this investment will give policymakers access to the research and evidence to future-proof regulations. First strand in healthcare Innovate UK recently announced to lead the way in safer, faster, regulatory pathways for innovative products and services, specifically for the healthcare sector. This human-health strand,…
The Innovate UK Women in Innovation Awards is celebrating 50 women leading the charge in groundbreaking industries. From revolutionary peat-free farming solutions, to continuous green electricity, to an artificial intelligence (AI) powered platform that streamlines allergy management in schools. This year’s winners, from Edinburgh to Southampton and Cardiff to Belfast, are tackling critical social, environmental and economic challenges, creating a robust pipeline of women-led businesses for future investment. Each will receive a £75,000 grant, personalised business coaching, and access to networking, role modelling and training opportunities. Breaking barriers to success Research highlights significant hurdles for women entrepreneurs, including access to…