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recent releases from Leicester Shire Development Agency, Business Link for Leicestershire and Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland | 
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28 November 2002
NEWS RELEASE
NEW BUDGET FOR EUROPEAN RESEARCH
New research initiatives agreed by the European Commission will have a positive effect on research and development activities in Leicestershire, according to the Euro Info Centre at Business Link for Leicestershire.
A budget of 17.5 billion euro has been provided for a programme of research and development in seven key areas, which will be launched before the end of the year.
Covering a broad spectrum, the initiatives include sustainable development, food safety and genomics and biotechnology for health - well represented in Leicestershire by pharmaceutical companies such as Astra Zeneca, major teaching hospitals and universities. Aeronautics and space also features in the programme - and has added significance for the city due to the location of the National Space Centre.
In addition, the research programme aims to contribute to the integration and strengthening of a European research area, to enable better co-ordination of research activities and the merging of research and innovation policies at both national and EU levels.
The new agreement was made possible after a compromise was reached on the potentially divisive issue of stem cell research, the funding of which conflicts with national legislation in many member states. The compromise places an embargo on EU funding for human stem cell research, cloning and genetic modification until December 2003.
Sarah Wilson, Euro Info Centre manager, said the decision to adopt the new programme meant research activities could begin soon. "This will have a very positive effect on research and development activities and is a major step towards structuring the European research area," she said.
Ends
For further media information
CONTACT Kate Downs on 0116 254 4472
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