The University of Bath has been awarded £4.35 million from the UK Government’s £54 million Global Talent Fund to recruit up to 15 world‑leading international researchers and their teams in four strategic areas: clean energy industries, digital technologies, life sciences, and professional & business services. This five‑year investment begins in the 2025–26 academic year.
For our local community, this means:
• Accelerated research in key sectors - These hires will bolster Bath’s research capacity in high‑priority industrial strategy areas, driving innovation and international collaborations that benefit the region.
• Development of new technologies & spin‑outs - As seen from SETsquared Bath, where past academic enterprise has led to high‑growth startups, these new researchers have the potential to deepen connections between campus and business, generating spin‑out companies and fresh economic activity.
• Economic impact & job creation - Already, the University supports 7,000+ jobs locally and contributes over £510 million in GVA across Bath & North East Somerset. This new funding will amplify that effect, creating roles in research, which could lead to employment created in tech transfer, professional services, and more.
• Putting the region on the map – With world-class expertise pouring in across clean energy, life sciences, digital and business services, Bath, Bristol, and the South West will gain visibility as a hub of innovation and research excellence - further attracting investment, partnerships and talent.
This is more than grant funding—it’s a catalyst for research-led growth. It strengthens Bath and the wider region’s civic identity, fostering socially relevant innovation, rich cross-sector partnerships, and new opportunities for residents, businesses and students alike.
Respond
