Royal Patron for Science and Innovation Campuses

The Harwell and Daresbury Science and Innovation Campuses, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and their joint venture partners are delighted to announce that HRH The Duke of York has agreed to be Royal Patron of the two national Science and Innovation Campuses, in his capacity as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

“We are delighted with confirmation that His Royal Highness will be the Royal Patron of the Campuses,” STFC Chairman Professor Michael Sterling said. “He has visited both Daresbury and Harwell Campuses, and is an enthusiastic supporter of the benefits to the wider economy and society of a strong science and technology base in the UK. The Campuses are already attracting high levels of UK and international interest in, for example, the establishment of the European Space Agency’s UK Research Centre and the International Space Innovation Centre at Harwell and the Daresbury Innovation Centre. The additional support of His Royal Highness will help ensure even more rapid growth across both Campuses.”

Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said: "The Duke of York plays an important role in promoting the UK as a highly attractive destination for inward investment and I’m enormously pleased that he has agreed to be Royal Patron. His support will be invaluable in spreading the word that the Harwell and Daresbury campuses are at the leading edge of scientific discovery and technology development, and will help us build on the existing strong links with companies and researchers throughout the world."