Research centre looks to get £1m

A research centre which could become an international facility for environmental science could receive a £1 million lift from Norfolk County Council.

The Genome Analysis Centre, to be built at Norwich Research Park, is being led by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

If completed, the centre would research the genomes of animals, plants, microbes, fish and farm animals, according to the Norwich Evening News.

It could have applications that supported the growing biofuel industry in the region.

The paper reports that councillors are being recommended to support the project, which is expected to create up to 750 jobs in Norwich.

Daniel Cox, leader of Norfolk County Council, told the newspaper: "Norfolk County Council is keen to do all it can to support the growth of the Norwich Research Park.

"The proposal for the Genome Analysis Centre is an exciting prospect for Norwich and would certainly enhance the city’s reputation for research and development."

The BBSRC has a total budget of £400 million, supports around 1,600 scientists and 2,000 research students and is funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.