Science|Business Reporting

South African scientists will gain access to European molecular biology research through the European Molecular Biology Organization after their government signed a cooperation agreement.

Luxembourg is to invest €140 million over five years in a bid to become a centre of excellence in molecular medicine, partnering with three leading US institutions to help achieve the aim.

The European Commission is to boost its investment in European robotics research to €400 million between 2007 and 2010. The increase in spending will underpin stronger links between academia and industry.

MRC Technology, the commercialisation arm of the UK’s Medical Research Council, has approved £6 million funding for the continuation of its pre-seed Development Gap Fund.