Science fund boost for university

The two new centres will train 100 researches

The University of Surrey has won funding for two multi-million pound science training buildings.

The aim of the multi-disciplinary centres will be to produce PhD level scientists and engineers.

They are two of 17 industrial doctoral centres announced nationally by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The new centres at Surrey are said to be worth nearly �12m and will train over 100 researchers at doctoral level.

EPSRC said the centres would equip doctoral research engineers with "state-of-the-art" expertise and the necessary business skills to turn pioneering ideas into products and services.

'Track record'

Christopher Snowden, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Surrey, said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"These new industrial doctoral training centres build on the University of Surrey's excellent track record of postgraduate development, active knowledge exchange, innovation and collaboration with industry and its ability to provide a stimulating and transformative research environment for its researchers."

Professor Dave Delpy, chief executive of EPSRC, said: "People are the heart of our future strategy.

"We want to drive a modern economy and meet the challenges of tomorrow by investing in talented people and inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers."

"EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training expand our existing training portfolio, focus on priority themes for the UK, emerging and multidisciplinary research, and greater collaboration with business."