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The ¡°badly needed¡± funding is designed to develop infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for these subjects.

The successful projects include new provision in chemistry and physics, subjects which declined during the last decade.

More than 25 universities have secured ?5 million each and funding is awarded on a matched basis with industry.

A panel chaired by Lesley Yellowlees, provost of science and engineering at the University of Edinburgh, made the funding allocations. As part of the assessment process institutions had to demonstrate a commitment to equality and diversity in STEM subjects.

Madeleine Atkins, Hefce chief executive, said: ¡°This funding is badly needed by universities and colleges to meet the increased interest in science and engineering. It will also ensure that students benefit from state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories, and are thereby equipped for the workplace of the 21st century.¡±

Vince Cable, the business secretary, said: ¡°This investment will mean world-class teaching facilities to build tomorrow¡¯s skilled workforce.¡±

holly.else@tesglobal.com