The Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan has recently announced several initiatives aimed at supporting universities and boosting various sectors in the UK. One of these measures is the introduction of a £60 million Regional Innovation Fund (RIF). The RIF will provide support for universities in areas with lower levels of research and development (R&D) investment in the UK.
The RIF will allocate £48.8m to 110 universities across England and will be delivered by Research England. Furthermore, devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will receive £5.8m, £3.4m, and £2m respectively, to support local and regional economies.
In addition to the RIF, the government has set aside £8m for artificial intelligence scholarships, which will provide studying opportunities to 800 individuals in the sector. The scholarships will enable eligible students to take various master’s courses across England, teaching them practical AI and data science skills, machine learning, coding, programming, health data science, and AI ethics. This initiative will help prepare students for the jobs of the future and strengthen the UK’s goal of becoming a global leader in AI safety.
Moreover, the government is launching an independent review into sex and gender data collection, which will be led by Professor Alice Sullivan of University College London. The Cabinet Office and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology will support the review. The aim of the review is to ensure researchers and public bodies have access to accurate information to plan key services effectively. The review’s terms of reference will be agreed upon in the coming weeks, with an expected conclusion date in spring of next year.
In conclusion, these new initiatives will enhance support for universities and various sectors across the UK, preparing individuals for the jobs of the future while boosting the country’s innovation and research capabilities.