Science cash for North East universities

The biggest allocation is going to Newcastle University

Universities in the north-east of England are being given a government grant of £36m to boost scientific research.

Newcastle University has received £21m, the largest share of the cash given to the region.

A further £12m has been awarded to Durham University, while Northumbria and Sunderland universities have been given £1m each, and Teesside University gets £365,000.

Trevor Page, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Newcastle, said: "This is money that has been earmarked for scientific research.

"By putting in new equipment, the students, when they come to their research projects in science, engineering and medicine, will be able to benefit from cutting-edge, world-class, facilities."

The money will be used for projects linked to cancer research and environmental studies looking at flood management and coastal erosion.

The announcement was made by Science Minister Lord Sainsbury, who said: "In the past Newcastle University has carried out cancer research with other universities in the region, so that gives you some sort of idea of the things they will be looking at."