Zee Media Bureau\Philaso G Kaping
Edinburgh: A new centre for science named after Nobel laureate Peter Higgs is to be built at Edinburgh University.
Chancellor George Osborne made the announcement in his Autumn Statement. The Higgs Centre for Innovation, due to open in 2016, will focus on providing cutting-edge technology in computer processing and space, reported the BBC.
The UK Treasury granted a capital investment of £10.7 million and will also give £2 million per year over a period of five years for operational purposes.
The centre will be constructed on the site of the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (ATC) operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh.
“This support from the Treasury and the STFC will create an environment in which future generations of scientists from around the world can share and develop ideas,” said Prof Higgs.
Prof Higgs is currently perhaps the most famous resident of Edinburgh after being awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for his theories on the ‘God Particle’. The Scottish capital had earlier announced in November that Prof Higgs will be given the Freedom of the City for his contribution to science.