06 November 2006

Prime Minister highlights England's Northwest as a leading region for science and innovation

Following on from the official opening of the National Biomanufacturing Centre in Liverpool last week, another major science project in the Northwest was showcased as offering best practice when it was commended by the Prime Minister.

In preparation for his speech on science on Friday, the Prime Minister looked at a number of schemes that are offering excellence and best practice across the scientific field. One such scheme was the Cockcroft Institute, a new research facility that is leading the way in helping us understand how the universe came into existence.

The innovative centre, established by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council, will lead the way in designing the next generation of particle-accelerators. These accelerators will put the UK at the forefront of international efforts to build machines that will unravel the mysteries of particle physics by recreating the earliest moments after the Big Bang.

The location of the Cockcroft Institute to the Northwest is a major coup for the region and was the result of a successful bid for the project by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC), Halton Borough Council and the Universities of Lancaster, Liverpool and Manchester.

The Institute is located at Daresbury Science and Innovation Campus, one of the Northwest's strategic regional sites, developed with over £50 million funding from the NWDA. As well as attracting major research projects to the region the campus is also attracting a number of science and technology based businesses through Daresbury Innovation Centre.

Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said:

"When we talk about world-class science, we need look no further than the Northwest. The Cockcroft Institute is an innovative new research facility helping us understand how the universe came into existence and is leading the way in designing the next generation of particle-accelerators.  These accelerators will put the UK at the forefront of international efforts to build machines, which will unravel the mysteries of particle physics by recreating the earliest moments after the Big Bang."

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the NWDA said:

"Science and Innovation are key enablers to global competitiveness and at the heart of the UK's drive to build and sustain a knowledge based economy. Through a sustained investment in new science infrastructure, the NWDA will continue to ensure that England's Northwest remains a leading location for scientific research and development."

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For further information about the Northwest Regional Development Agency please contact Laura Hampson, Press Officer on 01925 400256 or 07980 713287 or Laura.Hampson@NWDA.co.uk For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk  

For further information about the Prime Minister's Office please contact Holly Wheeler, Press Officer on 020 7930 4433 or HWheeler@no10.x.gsi.gov.uk For further information and to view previous press release visit us as www.pm.gov.uk