UK Announces “High-Risk, High-Reward” Research Development Agency

The program, known as ARIA, will be independent and scientist-led.

Written byLisa Winter

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In an effort to reinvigorate the UK’s research and development endeavors, the government announced Friday (February 19) the creation of an independent, scientist-led funder named the Advanced Research & Invention Agency. The goal is to have the organization up and running by next year.

In the same vein as the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the goal of ARIA is to take on “high-risk, high-reward” projects that are largely unencumbered by the bureaucratic interference and finicky grant procedures of traditional research projects, according to the announcement. The statement cited DARPA’s early work on mRNA vaccines and antibody therapy as being vital to the global COVID-19 response.

“ARIA will unleash our most inspirational scientists and inventors, empowering them with the freedom to drive forward their scientific vision and explore game-changing new ideas at a speed like never before,” Science and Innovation Minister Amanda Solloway says ...

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Meet the Author

Lisa Winter
Lisa joined The Scientist in 2017. As social media editor, some of her duties include creating content, managing interactions, and developing strategies for the brand’s social media presence. She also contributes to the News & Opinion section of the website. Lisa holds a degree in Biological Sciences with a concentration in genetics, cell, and developmental biology from Arizona State University and has worked in science communication since 2012.
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