UK invests in 'super-microscope' project

The UK government has announced that it will be investing £290 million in new international science projects, with £165 million being allocated for a new "super-microscope".

According to the BBC, science minister David Willetts has reserved a substantial amount of the investment to build a "super-microscope" in Sweden, while up to £100 million will be put towards the largest telescope ever built.

Though critics have aired concerns about these projects taking away vital funding from basic research, Mr Willets has suggested that the investment is key to allowing the UK to become a leader in scientific projects.

"This [investment] will enable us to become involved with and take a lead in major international research programmes," he said. "It will help create new industries and new jobs."

According to the BBC, Mr Willetts has agreed to contribute to the European Spallation Source. The project, which will be built in Lund, will see a powerful microscope built that can examine materials using neutrons. Once complete, it is thought that it will support the construction of better planes, ships and batteries for electric cars.

The science minister has also committed around £100 million to a radio telescope project called the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), while £25 million will be channeled into a European Space Agency mission called Plato. The mission will see a giant space telescope constructed to better enable scientists to expand their knowledge of planets and whether they are capable of supporting extraterrestrial life.

Further boosting the UK's economy, it is likely that all three investments will result in commercial contracts, which Mr Willetts hopes will create more highly-skilled jobs in the UK.

The financial commitments are possible because the Treasury has allocated £1.1 billion every year to fund capital expenditure for the next five years. This money is for building, equipping and maintaining laboratories and to participate in international projects.

Mr Willets said: "This will enable us to become involved with and take a lead in major international research programmes.”