Willetts to make science funding at Jodrell Bank

SCIENCE minister David Willetts was today set to reveal details of £300m funding for science projects.

Mr Willetts, who is visiting the University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory, will give a speech on how high-tech science projects can drive innovation, growth and create jobs.

He will say: ““Investment in science is a crucial part of this government’s long-term economic plan. It’s about investing in our future, helping grow new industries and create more jobs – and that will mean more financial security for people across the country.”

Speaking to an audience of scientists, apprentices and school children, the he will confirm funding for several projects, including investing £165m in the European Spallation Source.

This will see the creation of a giant powerful neutron microscope. Some 30 times more powerful than microscopes we use today and the size of 140 football pitches, the technology will create and secure thousands of jobs.

Another major project is  a £100m contribution to The Square Kilometre Array, which will  be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world, stretching technology to its limits.

This telescope will produce 10 times the current global traffic of the internet. British scientists are already helping to develop the central computer which will read the huge volume of new data.