UK infrastructure project given go ahead

A new multi-million pound project to ensure the smooth running of critical UK infrastructure will start with 14 universities across the UK

The UK Government has announced £138m, match funded from other sources, for the UK Collaboratorium for Research in Infrastructure and Cities (UKCRIC).

UKRIC, which includes Cardiff University, aims to provide a knowledge base ensuring the long-term functioning of the UK’s transport systems, energy systems, clean water supplies, waste management, flood defences and the development of infrastructures. 

Outside national security and medicine this will be one of the largest collaborative research projects in the UK and will be expanded to include more universities, national and international partners over the coming years.

Professor Hywel Thomas, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Engagement at Cardiff University, said: “This type of long-term partnership is essential if we are to provide the infrastructure necessary to enable our country to thrive.

“Cardiff University already takes its role as a driver of economic and social prosperity very seriously. We have a thriving innovation culture and excel in connecting industry, business, and government with our academics.

“At the heart of this approach is our new £300m Innovation campus that will turn research questions into ‘real world’ answers by exploiting University research.”

UKCRIC aims to pioneer a joined up approach to tackle challenges such as traffic congestion, which costs an estimated £5.5bn each year, and climate change targets. 

UKCRIC's Coordination Node, hosted at UCL's Science Technology Engineering and Public Policy department, will pull together and coordinate research and include practitioners as co-producers. 

This will provide support for infrastructure operators, planners, financiers, regulators, cities and government when decisions are being made on infrastructure capacity, performance and investment.