Economy and Science Minister, Edwina Hart, said: “Innovation and research is a vital driver for economic growth and creating jobs. By working in partnership and sharing facilities, expertise and best practice universities can deliver even better research and results. I am very pleased that the Welsh Government is supporting the GW4 Alliance, which will play an important role in helping us meet our ambition for delivering world class research in Wales.”
Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University and Chair of GW4’s Council, added: “By pooling research expertise and sharing facilities, equipment and other resources, GW4 aims to reach beyond what one university could do.
We are powering innovation and driving growth in Wales and working with our neighbours in the South West to provide the critical mass and the quality to succeed in an increasingly competitive and research-intensive environment.”
GW4 has already succeeded in bringing the UK’s largest Natural Environmental Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership to the region, which is providing 200 studentships for the next generation of environmental scientists. It involves GW4 institutions along with partners such as National Botanical Garden of Wales, National Museum of Wales, Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and Cynnal Cymru.
The Alliance is set to receive £8M from the BBSRC for the South West Doctoral Training Partnership, comprising GW4 universities and the world renowned agricultural institute Rothamstead Research. This funding will provide 114 studentships over five years to tackle challenges such as agriculture and food security.
GW4 has also provided more than £650,000 to 35 projects through its Building Communities programme covering areas such as dementia and mine waste.
