Universities dive into research pool

Published on Wednesday 4 November 2009 08:54

TWO city universities will benefit from investment in a new marine science research pool.

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has announced the 17.4 million cash injection, which will bring together researchers from several universities and research institutes.

The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS) will receive the funding over seven years as part of a total investment of 74.7m.

Ten partners, including Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh Napier universities, are to form the pool, which will carry out world-class research, training and knowledge exchange.

Among its key areas of research, MASTS will combine existing strengths to look at areas including biodiversity, marine predators, sustainable mariculture, and fisheries.

The latest grant was announced by the Scottish Funding Council before the alliance's official launch in Edinburgh today.

Environment secretary Richard Lochhead said: "As we move towards an era where renewable energy will be even more vital in our fight against climate change, our seas will only become more important."

Professor Ian Boyd, director of the Scottish Oceans Institute and the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said: "

The Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland has been designed to provide a strong foundation for this basic research.

"My colleagues and I are excited by this new opportunity."