Research projects enjoy a £9.3m cash boost

MORE than 700 jobs are to be created in research centres across Scotland as the result of a £9.3 million funding boost from the European Regional Development Fund.

The investment was announced in Aberdeen by First Minister Alex Salmond.

The largest single support package, of 2.6m, has been awarded to Aberdeen University for a building for its life sciences innovation centre.

Funding support has also been secured for Edinburgh University's Scottish Environmental Technology Network, Napier's Institute for Wood Products, the Edinburgh Climate Change Centre and Scotland's Business and Technology Hub, a joint venture between Napier, Queen Margaret and St Andrew's universities.

Mr Salmond said: "Scotland is a world leader in technology, innovation and enterprise.

"It's important that our academics and entrepreneurs have access to support, particularly in this challenging economic climate, so that they can stay at the forefront of their fields, realise their potential, seize opportunities, expand, invest and contribute to sustainable economic growth."

Professor Stephen Logan, the senior vice-principal of Aberdeen University, welcomed the announcement.

He said: "Our first life science innovation building, developed in partnership with Scottish Enterprise Grampian, Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian, is now a base for one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Pfizer, which is a tremendous coup for Aberdeen.

"This new life science innovation facility will further support Aberdeen city and shire's fast-expanding life sciences sector by offering a base for young companies working on the commercialisation of life sciences research."

He added: "Funding for the building is further evidence of the region's growing reputation as a centre of excellence for life sciences."