UCLan awarded additional funding for Engineering Innovation Centre

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been handed the maximum amount permitted from a government pot of £200m to fund science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching capital projects.

The funding is in addition to £20m that the university will invest into the project to create an internationally competitive engineering facility that will be equipped to the highest standard and bring together the region’s expertise from within academia and industry.

Rob Wallace, dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, commented: “We are delighted to receive the maximum amount of funding available from HEFCE as part of this scheme. Not only will it provide a great financial boost to the EIC project, it also confirms that UCLan’s educational vision for STEM development is in-line with the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Vince Cable, secretary of state for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: “Inspiring young people to take up STEM courses is vital to the success of the UK economy. This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow's skilled workforce. It's just one way we are ensuring the UK remains a world leader in science and research, as set out in this week's Science and Innovation strategy.” The UCLan EIC is due for completion in January 2018.