The University of Bath has been named as one of twelve UK research institutions selected to receive a share of the £54 million Global Talent Fund, a major new government-backed initiative to attract and support the relocation of outstanding international researchers and research teams to the UK.
Bath will receive £4.35million to rapidly recruit world-class academics whose work will strengthen the UK’s research capacity and deliver high-impact innovation in priority areas of clean energy, digital technologies, professional and business services, and life sciences.
This funding forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to enhance the long-term sustainability of its research ecosystem and cement its position as a global leader in scientific excellence and collaboration.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
Genius is not bound by geography. But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to incubate brilliant ideas, and turn them into new medicines that save lives, new products that make our lives easier, and even entirely new jobs and industries. Bringing these innovations to life, here in Britain, will be critical to delivering this Government’s Plan for Change.
My message to the bold and the brave who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is: our doors are open to you. We want to work with you, support you, and give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, said:
Our university was founded with a mission to work closely with industry and partnership working has been in our DNA ever since. We are truly delighted to play our part in attracting outstanding global academics to help power research in the UK’s industrial strategy priority areas.
This major investment recognises the vital role universities play in driving innovation and growth across the UK. We look forward to working with DSIT and UKRI to attract more bright minds to play their part in our innovation-fuelled and impact-focussed research.
Professor Sarah Hainsworth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise), added:
We are honoured to be recognised through the Government’s new Global Talent Fund. This award underpins the University of Bath’s strong reputation as a destination for world-class talent and research partnerships.
This significant investment from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is intended to enhance the UK’s research capacity by attracting outstanding international researchers to institutions with demonstrated excellence.
The University of Bath will use this funding to appoint up to 15 world-leading researchers across four nationally strategic areas: clean energy, digital technologies, professional and business services, and life sciences. These appointments will strengthen the UK’s position in key growth sectors and further develop Bath’s interdisciplinary research expertise. More information can be found on our Global Talent Fund page.
By expanding research capacity and fostering international collaboration, the Global Talent Fund will support innovation, economic growth, and sustained scientific excellence across the UK.