A major audit report setting out the research and innovation strengths of Wales has been presented to the UK Government.
The Science and Innovation Audit Report has been produced by the South Wales Crucible, which is backed by the Welsh Government and brings together Aberystwyth, Bangor, Cardiff and Swansea universities, research centres of excellence and internationally significant firms.
Commissioned by Westminster’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the study outlines how the consortium can make positive and lasting steps to help unlock Wales’s innovation-led growth potential.
The report highlights the potential associated with the development of the £40.5m Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Aberystwyth University.
Due for completion in 2020 and based at the campus at Gogerddan, the new development will provide facilities and expertise to help businesses translate innovations and investments in agri-food tech into new products, processes and services.
Prof Chris Thomas, pro vice-chancellor for research, knowledge exchange and innovation at Aberystwyth University, said: “The South Wales Crucible Science and Innovation Audit recognises the considerable strengths in research and innovation in Wales and, particularly for Aberystwyth University, our leading role in world-leading agri-food technology.
“At Aberystwyth we continue to build on this strength, with over £50m new investment in cutting-edge science and technology in partnership with industry and government.
"In conjunction with IBERS, facilities such as the National Plant Phenomics Centre, Pwllpeiran, the Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock and new developments such as the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus and VetHub 1 veterinary science laboratories, as well as a new cadre of top scientists attracted to the university, will ensure we remain at the forefront of this field.”
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