UK Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson opened two specialist hi-tech facilties when he visited Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire.
The units at the Abingdon centre are being developed by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) is a robotics test centre for UK industry and The Materials Research Facility (MRF) is a laboratory for scientists designing the nuclear power stations of the future – both fission and fusion.
MRF is a seen as a key part of the Government-backed National Nuclear User Facility which aims to improve the UK’s nuclear research base, to ensure Britain has long-term options for generating low-carbon energy in the future. Professor Steve Cowley, UKAEA’s CEO, said: “UKAEA and Oxfordshire are taking technology from fusion research and moving it towards industrial applications. Robotics is a vital sector where much of the future lies, and advanced materials are key to the next generation of innovations.” Mr Johnson “The hard work of scientists, academics and apprentices in Culham is a prime example of why the UK is a world-leader in scientific discovery. These new facilities will take the next steps in developing clean energy, and train apprentices to support local businesses and growth.”
Mr Johnson also announced funding for Oxford Advanced Skills – a new apprentice training facility for Oxfordshire hi-tech businesses, also to be located at Culham Science Centre.
Oxford Advanced Skills is a partnership between UKAEA and training providers JTL – it will train 150 engineering apprentices per year when completed in 2019 and aims to address the skills shortage which threatens Oxfordshire’s booming technology sector.