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BLUE-SKY research projects worth Pounds 19.5 million won government backing this week as part of an initiative to encourage links between universities and industry.

In all, 233 basic research projects, including an investigation of how infant nutrition influences diabetes and a novel neurological method for reducing chronic pain, won support in the latest round of Realising Our Potential Awards (Ropas).

The scheme funds researchers in universities and institutes who have industry support for basic research on topics chosen independently of industrial partners.

Announcing the awards, chosen from 730 applications, science, energy and industry minister John Battle said: "Blue-skies, curiosity-driven research has proved the basis of Britain's great scientific discoveries, and it is vital that the government gives the strongest possible support to such research".