Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 May 2023 (named day). It was answered by George Freeman (Conservative) on Monday, 22 May 2023 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Biology: Research

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to support the commercialisation of synthetic biology research in the UK.

Answer: The Science and Technology Framework published on 6th March identified engineering biology as one of the technologies that are most critical for the UK. The framework outlines the Government's approach to supporting the growth of these critical technologies in the UK, for example through investing in R&D, addressing skills shortages, financing innovative companies, examining regulations and standards, and a raft of other measures. Much of this will be done through grants and programmes issued by this Department via UKRI, such as the £250 million in March that we announced to fund new technology missions, including missions on engineering biology.

Secondary information