Southampton secures £4.35m to attract world-leading research talent

The University of Southampton has secured £4.35m to bring in top researchers from around the world to help support the UK government’s industrial strategy.

It is part of a £54m initiative by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) called the Global Talent Fund which aims to bolster the UK’s world-renowned research base and position it at the forefront of international collaboration and innovation.

Grants have been awarded to 12 UK research organisations, including Southampton.

Professor Mark E. Smith , President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “We are proud that the University of Southampton has been chosen as one of the small number of organisations for this exciting and important initiative.

“Attracting world-leading researchers to work in the United Kingdom will help to lead innovation in the technologies of the future, supporting industry and driving economic growth.

“Southampton is a global University with a wealth of research talent and this funding will help us to build further on our existing strengths and partnerships.”

The University will use the funding to attract international researchers in the following key priority areas:

• Clean Energy Industries - accelerating the development of scalable, low-carbon technologies and fostering partnerships with industry leaders in renewables and infrastructure
• Digital Technologies - driving advances in trustworthy AI, digital twins, and next-generation computing, supporting both public and private sector transformation
• Life Sciences - supporting translational research, clinical partnerships, and biotech entrepreneurship, enhancing the UK’s biomedical innovation pipeline
• Defence - contributing to the UK's defence capabilities and resilience through the development of technologies
• Advanced Manufacturing - innovating in smart factories, sustainable materials, and digital manufacturing, supporting UK industry in global markets

The funding will be used for salaries, support with relocation, research costs, and institutional support for at least six world-class research leaders and their teams.

Professor Mark Spearing , Vice-President of Research and Enterprise at the University of Southampton, said: "This funding will support us in attracting highly skilled researchers at the cutting edge of their field to work in key sectors of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

“The University of Southampton provides the essential world-class infrastructure, research critical mass and partnerships to accelerate innovation in these areas. This will ensure that the scheme delivers maximum impact for the University, the region, and the country.”

Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Genius is not bound by geography. But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to incubate brilliant ideas, and turn them into new medicines that save lives, new products that make our lives easier, and even entirely new jobs and industries. Bringing these innovations to life, here in Britain, will be critical to delivering this Government’s Plan for Change.

“My message to the bold and the brave who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is: our doors are open to you. We want to work with you, support you, and give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities which are vital for attracting international top talent. Supported by our new Global Talent Taskforce, the Global Talent Fund will cement our position as a leading choice for the world’s top researchers to make their home here, supercharging growth and delivering on our Plan for Change.”

The recruitment drive will begin in August, with plans for new researchers to start in early 2026.