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University of Cumbria invests £1.2 million in new high tech lab

The University of Cumbria is investing £1.2 million to develop a new teaching programme of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and a high-spec laboratory in Carlisle.

In particular, there will be an increased need for biosciences graduates in Cumbria with the development of the new GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) £350 million biopharmaceutical facility in Ulverston and an increase in demand from Sellafield for scientists.

The investment is the result of two successful bids to England’s education funding authority, HEFCE, and to the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), as well as matched investment from the university.

The successful bids were for £256,000 and £748,000 respectively, with the university making up the remaining £256,000.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, Peter Strike, said: “This investment signifies the university’s commitment to providing high-quality education to Cumbria.

“The new laboratory, along with the development of a new STEM curriculum and partnerships with further education providers and major local employers, will result in a joined-up approach that will provide excellent educational prospects for our students and more job opportunities in the local area.

“Our aim is to increase the number, the attractiveness and the accessibility of STEM careers for our university students.

“By promoting closer co-operation with our localfurther education colleges, we intend to create a ladder of opportunity for training in STEM subjects in Cumbria and beyond”.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Councillor Colin Glover, said: “We recognise and wholeheartedly support the efforts of the University to develop its offer in Carlisle.

“We see great value in creating a STEM facility. Attracting and subsequently retaining high value graduates and post graduates within our city region is another key target for the Council and its partners.

“This new STEM offer will help bring higher value skills and jobs to our city region and in turn help stimulate other new opportunities for investment and development along the M6 corridor and within the city area.

“We applaud the university’s commitment to Carlisle.”

As well as this, the university will develop courses which aim to meet the needs of local industrial employers who will require STEM graduate and postgraduate skills.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .